Yes, congratulations on another year in the championship.
My hometown team also stayed up by the very narrowest of margins thanks to London. Mrs G and myself will look forward to going for a couple of long weekends and a couple of championship fixtures. Mrs G was born in Barrow , so that will be one of them (at therecre ).
Happy days all round.
Thank you for all the kind wishes!
Spelly.
It's nearly a week after the euphoria of staying up, so here's my thoughts and hopes!
There were highs and lows (aren't there always?) but, if you'd offered me tenth before a ball was kicked, I'd have snapped your arm off at the elbow!
There'll be outs (some no doubt to NP) ins, and re-signings, but that's standard these days.
One great piece of news is that we've signed George Roby. He's been on loan from Hudds, and really been a hit with the fans, but it was strongly rumoured that next year he'd be a Knight. However, the board have secured his signature, and a footballer of real quality, is tied down for next term.
Targets for us in '24? Obviously, to improve on that tenth spot, but personally, I'd also like to get one over big style on a certain Mr Coleman, whilst another would be to see us win at Wakey, which is summat I've never witnessed.
But meantime, I'm gonna enjoy OT, and the three match series with Tonga, coz warts and all, Rugby League still remains (by a country mile) the Greatest Game on the Planet!
Spelly.
Josh Eaves, and Dan Abram are the first two to be announced as re-signing for us.
Eaves was playing really well last term, until he was a stretcher case at Newcastle, and with a decent pre-season, I'm sure he can re-capture that form.
Spelly.
Two more retainees announced today, with Mitch Cox, and Gavin Bennion committing to the Lions for next term.
Spelly.
I was impressed with Cox when I watched your mob at the Shay. Bennion not so much.
It's been rumoured for a few days, but it's now been officially announced that Dec Patton has put pen to paper, and signed for us for next season.
There's no doubting his talent, so let's hope he can now kick on, and be a wow for the Lions.
Spelly
Twenty sixth in the IMG gradings / ratings issued today.
As my school report said on many occasions "Room for improvement!"
Decent position for you mob I would suggest.
Spelly.
Our pre-season friendly has been announced, and we're at Saints on Saturday, 20 January, with a 2:00pm start.
I would imagine that Wellens will put the kids out, as he did in last term's equivalent.
Eight days later, Colwyn Bay awaits, as we (yet again) hit the Wembley trail.
Season ticket in my wallet, and the new home and away shirts are paid for, with delivery expected mid Jan.
I (optimistically) said before a ball was kicked in the last campaign that "Anything above than twelfth, will be a bonus." In the end we finished tenth, so....................
For 2024, I'm (again optimistically) going for "Ninth or better is a must!"
I can't see past Wakey for promotion, but I predicted the same about Fev last year, and they ****** up again, leading to a mass exit through the POR revolving door, so who knows?
Bring it on!
Spelly.
Our pre-season friendly has been announced, and we're at Saints on Saturday, 20 January, with a 2:00pm start.
I would imagine that Wellens will put the kids out, as he did in last term's equivalent.
Eight days later, Colwyn Bay awaits, as we (yet again) hit the Wembley trail.
Season ticket in my wallet, and the new home and away shirts are paid for, with delivery expected mid Jan.
I (optimistically) said before a ball was kicked in the last campaign that "Anything above than twelfth, will be a bonus." In the end we finished tenth, so....................
For 2024, I'm (again optimistically) going for "Ninth or better is a must!"
I can't see past Wakey for promotion, but I predicted the same about Fev last year, and they ****** up again, leading to a mass exit through the POR revolving door, so who knows?
Bring it on!
Spelly.
Further to this (and not surprisingly) it's been announced today that we're DRd with Saints again.
Last term (as it should) it worked well both ways, in particular with George Delaney, who went back to the TWS a better player than he came after a spell with us, and is now a regular in Wellens' first team squad.
Spelly.
Saints-ish 18-28 Lions at a cold TWS this aft.
We looked comfortable for thirty-nine minutes, but not for the first, second, or third time, we conceded right on the interval hooter!
They scored again early doors after the interval, but we steadied the ship from then on. and ran out deserved winners.
Not getting carried away by any means, as it was only a friendly, and the "real" season starts next week with a trip to Colwyn Bay in the 1895.
Spelly.
Well the (proper) season starts tomorrow, and the 1895 Cup takes us to the seaside, with the Crusaders hosting us at Colwyn Bay.
Setting off reasonably early for a bite in Spoon's, before heading to the stadium, and hopefully a win, before Coleman and Co return to Heywood Road.
Report to follow.
Spelly.
Crusaders 12-40 Lions this aft, and a comfortable win, without excelling ourselves.
There was a strong wind blowing end to end, which we had at our backs first, and we led 24-0 at the interval.
Carl Forster, their player-coach was sin-binned for tripping, then within only a few minutes after coming on as a sub, Jono Smith was red carded for (so I'm told) saying something foul and abusive to Mr Mikalauskas, so they played more than half a game, a man short.
Although well beaten, the hosts kept battling away, and were awarded for their endeavours with a couple of late tries.
Unsurprisingly, Coleman was there spying on his team's next two opponents, but I would imagine he learned precious little.
See you next week!
Spelly.
West Hull at home for us in the Cup, and...............
If we win that, we're at home again to either Oldham or Barrow.
Wembley once more awaits!
Interestingly, there's three all amateur ties in the third round, with one of 'em being an all London clash of Hammersmith Hill Hoists hosting Wests Warriors.
Spelly.
We have signed Brad Hammond after successful trial period, and has been give squad number 28.
He is the son of former Chemic Karle.
Spelly.