I have supported Widnes for over 60 years, but don't go to many games these days. The 200 mile round trip is getting harder to face, especially after games like the recent debacle against the 11-man Doncaster team. A real low point for me this season and probably for many seasons.
I agree that Bent is never a prop. Having said that, he is the type of player that you may need in a squad, who will play anywhere and give 100% in every game. His defending is also top class, which in itself is worth a place in the squad.
I would hope that there are plans in place to bring in some decent class players for 2026, able to compete at the top of the Championship (unless, of course, we are selected as one of the favoured two clubs to be promoted to SL in 2026; one place probably already earmarked for Bradford by Nigel!!!!)
As mentioned a couple of big running forwards, a halfback and a fast ball handling centre. It would certainly be a statement if the Club could drum up some local sponsorship to retain Condon, although I guess he already has plans in place for 2026, or maybe another top class import.
The aim for a SL place by 2026 is a bit over-ambitious at best. The game is a joke anyway and, if the selection of the two teams for promotion to SL in 2026, is not based on the IMG gradings, it will be seen as corrupt, especially if Bradford is chosen. Although there is a good argument for the team winning the Championship play-off being given one place and the second place by the IMG gradings. Hopefully, sense will prevail and promotion and relegation in future years should be based on the league position/play-offs, with promoted Clubs to SL having to meet minimum standards based on IMG gradings or similar.
@widiot they 100% will be promoted and they'll be going up via the gradings and not the two "committee picks"...won't say where it's come from but I believe they're grading higher than two current SL teams.. possibly a 3rd ..York nailed on one of the picks and theirs a strong following that want London back in ....if that happens it's a farcical sport that's become more farcical if that's possible...a team finishing most likely 9th or 10th in the championship getting punted up ... especially when every club has led the IMG dance ..Toulouse would have been the obvious choice but apparently some strongly against them ...
@widiot Willie Isa was lightyears ahead of Bent. If the club wants to improve the likes of Bent need to be shipped out.
Someone mentioned the club reading the room wrong with Bent. Some people like him because he tries hard, he does try hard, but he is not a rugby player. He doesn't pass or have any footwork. He's not a prop and he is not a second row, where do you put him? Someone likened him to Isa, I'm thinking he's the latest version of Magraff Leuluai.
Is anybody able to write an overview of what was talked about last night? Announced or asked on the night
Any positives from last night it seems all doom and gloom and going to be another rubbish season with bang average players? Just surviving is not ambition.
Is anybody able to write an overview of what was talked about last night? Announced or asked on the night
The room was quite full and the speech's well received. It was split into ten min sections with Stuart doing most of the talking and interviewing. Roger gave a great speech about our feeder teams, under fifteens etc and how we are hoping they will be our players of the future; a whole team and subs in SL from Widnes. Alan talked about retention and has lots on the radar but the new decisions about SL are causing disruptions and players unwilling to yea or nay to signing at present. Ben Condron says he loves it here and JJ a great leader on the field and off he went to Nando's 😂 All the missing bits that lost us points for IMG are in place now, full marks for ground and community now covers Liverpool👍 Same points as 2024 puts us in joint14 th place.Questions were asked about signing injured players who are now injured again but AC believes the team is better for these players!!! and asked will he be here next year, said he wants too but... Group including Mike Parsons acting as a go between for fans and club to discuss questions that will be put to the club and always answered. The IMG prediction is very good and just maybe...........
There were a lot of happy clappers and Bent was given a hero's welcome. AC said he had to fight off a lot of comp for his signiture👍👍All I can remember, hope it helps
PERHAPS Mike could update us on the new forum?