[Uncle Rico]

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:48 am  

Jimathay wrote:

I think John Kear said on the SL Show something along the lines of it doesn't matter where you play him, as long as you play him.

Don't forget we signed him in a season where 1,6 & 7 were all nailed on jerseys to "specialists" in those positions, plus both our centres were on decent form. He still played practically every game in a number of positions including off the bench, and was highly influential for us. Nothing wrong with that IMO.

I agree with the sentiment that we and I include Ratchford himself in this, should find his best position, keep it and nail it. I thought he was great when he first arrived and has suffered with a bit of a loss of form/confidence, as the whole team has since we lot our influential players around the park. So that's disappointing for me great footballer but he hasn't stepped up as much as he should have IMO

BTW Using John Kear to back up your argument though does you no credit ha ha As he more than Agar or the PT guy has cocked our season up by 'bigging us up' with Tanya on the SL show. I nearly had a 'row' with him at Hudds station bar coming back from Headingly but the 'scrum' for a pint of Black Sheep bitter won and the diminutive bald person was gone once the beer was in my hand....but Kear knew he knew.....

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Fri Aug 28, 2015 4:15 pm  

Pre Sandow I was sure that Gidley was going to be Full Back and Ratchford Stand Off. I still think that is the way forward, and he reminds me of John Woods (and not just because of the one handed carry. With a pack going forward Sandow putting doubt in the oppositions mind gaps will appear for Ratchford to exploit.... But then I am a "glass half full" man

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Fri Aug 28, 2015 4:39 pm  

You would think having a 6 on his back that he was signed to play stand off, but is he better tied down to one position or given free rein to turn up anywhere in the attack & is there a place for O'Brien next season ?

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Sat Aug 29, 2015 11:05 am  

Captain Hook wrote:

Pre Sandow I was sure that Gidley was going to be Full Back and Ratchford Stand Off. I still think that is the way forward, and he reminds me of John Woods (and not just because of the one handed carry. With a pack going forward Sandow putting doubt in the oppositions mind gaps will appear for Ratchford to exploit.... But then I am a "glass half full" man

Me too and probably Tony Smith as well.

Russell's impact on the team when he was fit has made me change my mind though. Not even entirely sure I would play Ratchford now in lieu of a 'proper' centre. Signing Lineham is a waste if he doesn't have a quality centre.

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Sat Aug 29, 2015 11:08 am  

The Warrington Guardian are touting Gidley as a full back or half back ,not a hooker, so somebody will be disappointed.

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Sun Aug 30, 2015 5:56 pm  

Gidley at 1 and Ratch at 6 for me.

As an attacking f/b and one on one defending f/b Ratch is good but his positional sense defensively and his organizational ability - in my humble opinion - is not at the level of Hodgson and it's not developed over the last couple of years.

I've not seen Gidley play but from what I read on here (taken with a pinch of salt) he seems to command the respect needed.

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Sun Aug 30, 2015 6:09 pm  

ninearches wrote:

The Warrington Guardian are touting Gidley as a full back or half back ,not a hooker, so somebody will be disappointed.

The Warrington Guardian are probably right. But with an injury to Clark or Dwyer I would not be surprised to see Kurt Gidley at hooker.

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Sun Aug 30, 2015 8:02 pm  

Ratchford is a no. 6

End of discussion.

I agree with one poster, his versatility has been his undoing for you boys this season but to contemplate him playing anywhere else than no. 6 is madness. If he came to Wigan as a centre i wouldn't be disappointed as he could accommodate a better squad (i don't mean that in a gloating way) but he has been trying to prop up your backs all season on his own. He has been on a hiding to nothing all year. Penny, Monaghan, Ormsby, O'Brien cannot compliment or help him out in defence or attack. Gidley at FB, a fit Russell on the wing with one of the others and an up to speed Sandow at no.7 and your team looks a hell of a lot better already. Your second rowers and props are ok, it's the backs that have let you down badly this season. Having said that, i think you are 2 quality centres short too :/ :/

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:48 am  

For my money it's Gidley at 6, Sandow at 7. Just watched a couple of weeks worth of Knights games, IMHO Gidley was born to play 6.

Re: Stefan Ratchford position : Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:26 am  

Ratch
Lineham
Rhys Evans
Toby King or Ryan (I can't make my mind up)
Matty R
Gidlow
Sandow
Hilly
Daryl
Ashton
Hughes
Ben C
Grix

Super Ben
Brad
Ben H
AN Other (Prop)

But........ I'm hearing that at least 1 of the above won't be at the HJ next year.