I’ve watched a lot of rugby league in my time and I can’t get my head round joe Lyons being are first choice half back/scrum half. At best he’s a reserve player for when someone picks up a knock and even then he has never really done anything special, lame kicking and running game weak in defence and the rest. Probs a really nice lad but deffo not a first choice halfback for anyone in this league.a lot more scoreless halves ahead
The Club is fooling itself and fans with the false optimism and the ridiculous announcements of re-signings. The two players who we have brought in were not even regulars at Sheffield and Barrow; and other two rumoured signings are from a Club close to relegation in 2023; and I totally agree that Lyons is not the answer at stand-off for all the reasons mentioned on here. Even Craven playing 18-20 games, with Lyons as back-up would have been better, or Dec Patton although I have no knowledge of his form at Bradford.
Bringing in short-term loans, unless to cover injuries, is not the answer either.
If the Club are building a squad capable of mid-table mediocrity because that is all they can afford, or they cannot attract better players for whatever reason, then fans should be told.
For the first time in a long time as a Widnes fan, I really doubt whether I will be bothered making a 200ml round trip to watch this team in 2024.
Our Head of Integrated Services seems to be putting more effort into attempting to meet the IMG criteria with fancy (but probably blank) advertising boards, than actually building a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Championship.
I hope that I am wrong, but the signs are not good.
The Club is fooling itself and fans with the false optimism and the ridiculous announcements of re-signings. The two players who we have brought in were not even regulars at Sheffield and Barrow; and other two rumoured signings are from a Club close to relegation in 2023; and I totally agree that Lyons is not the answer at stand-off for all the reasons mentioned on here. Even Craven playing 18-20 games, with Lyons as back-up would have been better, or Dec Patton although I have no knowledge of his form at Bradford.
Bringing in short-term loans, unless to cover injuries, is not the answer either.
If the Club are building a squad capable of mid-table mediocrity because that is all they can afford, or they cannot attract better players for whatever reason, then fans should be told.
For the first time in a long time as a Widnes fan, I really doubt whether I will be bothered making a 200ml round trip to watch this team in 2024.
Our Head of Integrated Services seems to be putting more effort into attempting to meet the IMG criteria with fancy (but probably blank) advertising boards, than actually building a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Championship.
I hope that I am wrong, but the signs are not good.
Well said, Sir!
I can understand Lyons getting a new deal as he can cover both half back positions but to have him as the starting 6 Is ridiculous...to add to this if it is true that gregson is incoming I'd imagine he's the alternative..even tho he's a back row/ loose that filled in at 6 when needed ..sadly the whole thing is more and more screaming of a club that knows it can't go up and through restructure won't go down ...hence the budget cuts that are apparently nonsense .
I can understand Lyons getting a new deal as he can cover both half back positions but to have him as the starting 6 Is ridiculous...to add to this if it is true that gregson is incoming I'd imagine he's the alternative..even tho he's a back row/ loose that filled in at 6 when needed ..sadly the whole thing is more and more screaming of a club that knows it can't go up and through restructure won't go down ...hence the budget cuts that are apparently nonsense .
If this pans out to be the thoughts of the Board and Hamilton, then the club will be going out of business some time soon.
The supporters will not buy into this scenario....surely?
Paulie xx
@pauliewalnuts I agree I think people will walk away seeing the club go through the motions ..but alot of pundits/agents/media half predicted this was going to happen...were not the only ones ..Halifax..Sheffield..barrow etc all curbing their spend/budget ..because they all know they could in theory spend a million this season..walk the league..walk the play offs and not go up ... restructuring for 25 means those mid level clubs wouldnt go into a 3rd tier if there was one ..so what's the point in over spending ??..also probably reason only Wakefield..Fev York and Bradford will have a big spend ..coz their the only ones in the mix ..what's annoying is as of now Chris Hamiltons claim there was no budget cut is a complete and utter blatant lie...
Have all the IMG gradings been announced ? Interesting to see what castlefords is
@cumbria-viking I would omit Featherstone from that list,they've blown it now.This year was their final chance of Super League but they fluffed their lines yet again.They,like lots of other 'unfashionable' clubs including Widnes,don't fit the profile.Clubs with small town populations and too close to big clubs already established in SL.
John Davies from fev been released, always tears us apart when we play them a proper championship forward. Obviously Widnes won’t sign him tho and he’ll come back to haunt us 😂
The problem I can see in our recruitment and rumours, is we are not targeting players for specific roles. The term "utility " player is so unspecific and though a player can cover several positions, how can a player in most cases cover second row, loose forward, and stand off.
In my opinion , the British game seems to be obsessed with playing a half back type player at no 13. Look at the NRL and most no 13,s are full size forwards with good hands . There should be enough play makers in the match day 17 with scrum half, stand off, hooker and interchange a ball playing full back.
I was worried this season regarding the balance and quality of the squad. So far, I am more worried at next season's squad.
After the statement made by the club on viaplay last season regarding our finances and the statement that most Championship clubs would like to be in our position , then it is time to bring in the best players available , not the cheapest ,who want to play for us, or tell us we can't afford them.
Now London have regained SL status , is there any possibility, that I G will ever see them relegated.
Another actual new signing announced in Martyn Reilly from Batley! I'd forgotten that he was tipped to be signing for us at the Batley home game and promptly got a knock. Decent pedigree to be a Batley regular
Says he's talked at length to Allan, wish Allan would talk to the rest of us. Presumably he will put us in the picture on Monday evening, can't get there myself, but not doubt attendees will keep us posted!Another actual new signing announced in Martyn Reilly from Batley! I'd forgotten that he was tipped to be signing for us at the Batley home game and promptly got a knock. Decent pedigree to be a Batley regular
At least Coleman actually commented on this signing and not the head of whatever he is
I can't go either, but it has to be a much better place to talk about the squad rather than online.