That's more the sort of announcement we've been waiting for, good too that the signing was not speculated about prior to announcement. As others have said, a few more quality "surprise" signings would be very welcome! A lot of gaps to fill!
The right age too, still getting better, hopefully. Put Foz and Gilmore behind a pack like that and they can test defences alright.
Just read the article on the website
Why isn’t the Head Coach commenting on the signing?
And what qualifies the "head of integrated operations" to comment on them? Bizarre behaviour.
@sandgroper Well the Club have shown that they can make a shrewd signing, so rather than "hoovering up" 3rd tier signings, as they have been accused of, lets hope that the additions are as carefully thought out to address what we are short of, wherever they come from! It would be nice if they could find a decent running halfback as well as the forwards we need! As we've got JJ for another year, it would be great to get him fully fit, his strength has always been as an "all action" player but he was far from that last season!
Well that was out of the blue, not a bad signing at all
more like that and even primrose viking May smile
@sandgroper Cant say I saw too much of him at Cas, the odd snatch I saw he was much as he had been for us, as in not quite his old self. When he was previously with us, he was a bundle of energy, never the quickest but always there to make the tackle or take the pass. Some were crying out for him to play 9, prior to going to Cas, but Fozard was streets ahead. The important thing is to get him back up to speed for 2024 so he can add his energy to the cause!
We’re all hoping jj finds some form next season because he’s probably one of our top earners
The point that I was making was that we don't know how he was told to play at Cas. He is a powerful defender for a start. All down to AC to make sure that he fits into our pack.
Looks very much like a two year project now to build a team on the field and make sure that we are at least a B Grade for IMG.
Its ironic that our new coach said more before he started than he has done since officially being in post. No doubt this will change! It would be nice to get his views on recruitment, even if he plays his cards close to his chest about signings still to be announced. We know he has got a challenge to rebuild the pack, but we've started well with Wilde and Kirk (OK Wilde not new but he refilled a second row place)
Make or break season for JJ in 2024.He needs to start showing his ability on a regular basis now,in his peak years.