Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:24 am  

rugbyreddog wrote:

First of all we don't need a 13 to replace Addy. Can anybody remember the last time he played 13?
We pumped up a substantial amount of the 500k that was raiswd 3 tears ago. We were then told we needed to pay SL prices to get a full time SL standard team. This so called bunch have failed to produce for the last two years. Really can;y help but think it's time they locked the doors and turned the lights off.

I'd hardly call last year a failure, we came pretty much as close to being promoted as you can get.
Yes if we don't make the top 4 then that is unforgivable, but I'm still of the opinion that there will never be a side promoted under this system anyway.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:58 am  

The prop and winger coming from London I'm guessing are for next season, can't see why they would want to come straightaway

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 8:04 am  

RagingBull wrote:

We really do love London players dont we
With Addy seemingly on his way then i guess we need a 13 as well for next year
Anyone out there that is former London and can play 13
Maybe someone gradually making his way North....
London to Sheffield to Bradford??

Haha

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 8:55 am  

roger daly wrote:

There's a few leaving

Going to be one hell of a clear out.

My hope is a complete clear out. Buy a few players with quality and give the depth by signing up multiple juniors who got yet another impressive win over Catalans.

I reckon there is at least 8 we could sign up full time for next year and they will do a damn sight better than some of the dross served up by more senior players.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:26 am  

There does seem to be an attitude of what I can only describe as arrogance around the Bulls camp. We seem to feel we've a God given right to not only win but not have to try for the win.
We don't seem to be able to match other teams enthusiasm or aggression, despite being in our second year in the Championship and seeing how other teams lift themselves when playing us.

I think a clear out might be useful in terms of breaking that stance.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:57 pm  

roofaldo2 wrote:

There does seem to be an attitude of what I can only describe as arrogance around the Bulls camp. We seem to feel we've a God given right to not only win but not have to try for the win.
We don't seem to be able to match other teams enthusiasm or aggression, despite being in our second year in the Championship and seeing how other teams lift themselves when playing us.

I think a clear out might be useful in terms of breaking that stance.

This is a continuation of last year when we were told that we had 23 friendlies before the real business got underway. I'm not sur all the players realise we need to qualify for it.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:06 am  

If it turns out the middle 8's are not reached, it will just mean that Rohan gets the chance to have a full clear out of Players mainly those not quite up to scratch and those wishing to move on to SL, The main thing is that he is able to use his contacts to get players that are out of Ferres' reach, which seems to me that Ferres reputation with agents is not that good, so hopefully that negativity is offset by Rohan's rep!

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Wed Jun 29, 2016 7:03 am  

Another possible outcome of not securing a playoff spot is that the salary cap spend is reduced to cover the drop in funding. That might have been difficult last year as so many player were tied into 2 year contracts but it's definitely a possibility next year. I can see us starting the year well below the full cap spend with the view to adding to the squad if money becomes available. I believe the salary cap spend is usually based on season ticket sales but I can see a significant drop in membership sales with more people preferring to pay on the gate. It that's the case then the club may see an increase in match day revenue.

I think that it's still very possible to have a competitive squad providing there is a marked improvement on the recruitment front. More quality, less number with a view to bringing on some of our young starlets.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Wed Jun 29, 2016 7:05 am  

Surely if we end up going part-time (which seems to be the obvious path if we don't make the Middle 8s) Smith will be off? It won't do his stock any good to be coaching a Championship team that's got no hope of going anywhere. He'd be a fool not to have that option in his contract.

Re: Failure to reach the middle 8's? : Wed Jun 29, 2016 7:09 am  

Given we've offered long term deals to players, it seems unlikely that part time is on the cards for next season.