Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:07 pm  

Good post Itchy. Personally, I feel that this unprecedented level of unrest amongst the fan base has been caused by the fact that our level of performance hasn't met the expectations of some when we returned to virtual full fitness. People were, rightly, understanding and patient through the injury crisis and then, IMO, expected to see some champagne rugby when our troops returned. Actually, the run of results up to the Cas game has been OK but it hasn't been good to watch. That woeful performance against Cas would appear to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:21 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

Good post Itchy. Personally, I feel that this unprecedented level of unrest amongst the fan base has been caused by the fact that our level of performance hasn't met the expectations of some when we returned to virtual full fitness. People were, rightly, understanding and patient through the injury crisis and then, IMO, expected to see some champagne rugby when our troops returned. Actually, the run of results up to the Cas game has been OK but it hasn't been good to watch. That woeful performance against Cas would appear to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

It would be just our luck that Cas hand us a lifeline tonight by beating Hull and we mess it up by getting beat by Wakey tomorrow.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:42 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

Good post Itchy. Personally, I feel that this unprecedented level of unrest amongst the fan base has been caused by the fact that our level of performance hasn't met the expectations of some when we returned to virtual full fitness. People were, rightly, understanding and patient through the injury crisis and then, IMO, expected to see some champagne rugby when our troops returned. Actually, the run of results up to the Cas game has been OK but it hasn't been good to watch. That woeful performance against Cas would appear to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Unlike many supporters I have been increasingly unhappy for 3 seasons so level of injuries earlier in the although unfortunate hasn't really swung my views that much because even with a full team I just don't think we are good enough. Our style of play hasn't progressed and we have been overtaken by quite a few teams in what comparatively is generally a lower standard than a few years ago with Cas the exception to the rule.

I actually don't think that even with a full squad we can actually play "champagne" rugby. Any semblance of individuality has been strangled. The chances of players playing what they see is zero until we 20 points down with 10 minutes to go. We never adopt changes to style or structure irrespective of who the opposition is - just how hard do we try to do something different or negate opposition strengths?

In a sport where the kicking game out of hand and from the tee has become increasingly important we think a kicking competition when the season has already started and sticking with a guy who the whole world knows cant kick (TL) is sufficient and shows what great "attitude" we have. You couldn't make something like that up.

I hope this season could be a watershed for IL. I'm not so sure about one or two sullen players or if SW can adapt to changes not generated by himself.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:01 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

Good post Itchy. Personally, I feel that this unprecedented level of unrest amongst the fan base has been caused by the fact that our level of performance hasn't met the expectations of some when we returned to virtual full fitness. People were, rightly, understanding and patient through the injury crisis and then, IMO, expected to see some champagne rugby when our troops returned. Actually, the run of results up to the Cas game has been OK but it hasn't been good to watch. That woeful performance against Cas would appear to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

As I've previously stated though, since our big guns returned we have won 73% of our games. The only team with a better win ratio is Cas. So it would seem (and I agree) that its not the results people are unhappy with, but the brand of rugby we play.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:10 pm  

Well said Itchy. I know some of you guys have been watching Wigan man (or woman) and and boy for a lifetime, and I only hope IL and the club take fans' concerns seriously. I really hope that don't kid themselves that it's just a a few "squeaky wheels" complaining, cos in my experience it's everyone I talk to in the town.

On a personal level I was excited to be in a position to be a ST holder and watch rugby regularly every week. And, going back to the start of the season, with ST returning, there was plenty of optimism around.

As it turned out, I could hardly have chosen a worse season!

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:24 pm  

JWarriors wrote:

As I've previously stated though, since our big guns returned we have won 73% of our games. The only team with a better win ratio is Cas. So it would seem (and I agree) that its not the results people are unhappy with, but the brand of rugby we play.

I think this just further underlines the uselessness of stats.

Whatever the percentages say, the Cas fixture was a signal game because it demonstrated beyond doubt what more and more of us have been starting to suspect, namely that we are not much of a team.

Whether that's down to the players or coaching staff, or both - I suspect the latter - it's quite evident that we are fine, when fully fit, to trundle on among the also-rans, and occasionally (very occasionally!) hand out a hammering to the lesser lights, but at the end of the table where we have ambitions to be, we are very, very second rate.

Cas did us effortlessly without even being motivated, when Wigan literally had everything to play for.

It was beyond pathetic, and in many ways - despite the occasional good stuff we've shown since the returns from injury - it's the only game of 2017 that matters thus far, because it's the one that has finally clarified things.

I hope Cas win tonight and that we beat Wakey. But I won't be upset if either or both of those matches go against us. What can't happen, won't - so whatever goes on this weekend, Wigan will NOT win the Grand Final, and would most likely be humiliated again, this time on a much bigger stage. I suspect it would be better for all concerned if the season ended now and we got on with the very pressing matter of doing what we can to reconstruct our excuse for a team.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:49 pm  

moto748 wrote:

Well said Itchy. I know some of you guys have been watching Wigan man (or woman) and and boy for a lifetime, and I only hope IL and the club take fans' concerns seriously. I really hope that don't kid themselves that it's just a a few "squeaky wheels" complaining, cos in my experience it's everyone I talk to in the town.

On a personal level I was excited to be in a position to be a ST holder and watch rugby regularly every week. And, going back to the start of the season, with ST returning, there was plenty of optimism around.

As it turned out, I could hardly have chosen a worse season!

I wasn't going to renew this year but a bit like yourself I thought TL back, ST to play more and to be honest I was just wishing that we could get better.

I just get frustrated that some issues have been poking us in the eye for several years e.g. kicking and the lack of a front row but the club seems oblivious to such small issues.

I still want them to win. I could never see me wanting them to lose irrespective of the style however, the insular attitude and sheer snarling boring nature of play is just draining my love and enthusiasm for the club. Rightly or wrongly I think that only thing that will force some sort of change is hitting the club in the pocket which where I am in terms of a season ticket purchase. Sad but there you go.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:22 pm  

You are supporters of the biggest club in Super League. Stop whining and buy a ticket.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:29 pm  

Logger wrote:

You are supporters of the biggest club in Super League. Stop whining and buy a ticket.

You sir are IL and I claim my £5

Re: UNBELIEVABLE : Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:51 pm  

Logger wrote:

You are supporters of the biggest club in Super League. Stop whining and buy a ticket.

How do you know people haven't bought tickets?