Sometimes a player can go elsewhere, develop their game and return an improved player. Gilmore could be that.
Main thing is that we develop a squad that isn't sweating on making the cut off for a 2nd tier place.
There's no restructure next year.
How about doing something radical, and just go and support the team, whoever wears the shirt, and pack the negativity in. It's counter productive. As long as the 17 selected give their all, I'm happy with that.
If you don't think you are getting what you pay for, then go do something else with your £22. Life's too short.
Up the Chemics
Paulie xx
If the rumours are true, I'm surprised he's interested in returning.
@pauliewalnuts A bit rich coming from you. I thought you said you were done if Kear gets the job.Unless I am mistaken.
If I remember right Tom came through the Academy side and was a fair player. When Brown left both Betts and Rule said he had earned his number but played behind a badly beaten pack all year so no chance of standing out. People on here crucified him no matter how well he played so the lad took his chance when moving away. He is now up for championship player of the year, just shows how good he was, and along side Craven next year could be a good partnership especially with JJ at hooker👍👍
I expect Smith to retire so could be some legs in the Gilmore rumour, but would signing him send the right message? I’ve certainly nothing against the lad but would the supporters see it as a forward step? What about Lyon’s?
Mixed feelings in Gilmore, I’d be all for JJ, Anthony Walker and amor but Gilmore I can’t knock the lad for what he’s done for Batley and been in much better form than 90% of our players both last year and this but for some reason it never worked out for him whether it was the style of play, the pressure who knows, it was also apparent cravens form dropped when playing next to him also and was better pairing with Lyons the year Gilmore was here in the championship, I would give him a chance but I think I would prefer us to roll the dice with someone else on this one
one thins is for sure Lyons is not the answer and he can’t says it’s cause of lack of opportunity either
@pauliewalnuts A bit rich coming from you. I thought you said you were done if Kear gets the job.Unless I am mistaken.
I was, but I'll give him a chance, if I don't like what I'm seeing, then I'll take my £22 elsewhere. There's no point saying player X is this, Player Y is that, booing the team off the pitch etc. It's not going to make things better.
I hope Kear proves everybody who doubted him wrong, me included.
Paulie xx
Gilmore has done well at Batley with his goal kicking & putting big forwards away. However personally i would not bring him back. It is unlikely we will have forwards the size of Batley's. I also think our artificial pitch does not suit him. He hardly played more than 2 or 3 games on the trot when he was here before he was out injured again. I agree that Smith cannot continue for many if any more seasons but personally I do not think Gilmore is the solution. Having said that I do not know who would come who is any better but we need a more robust defensive player than Gilmore in my opinion. Whatever anyone thinks of Smith his defence is excellent. Personally I long for half backs that run with the ball rather than just kick. kick kick but they seem a dying breed at number 7. If JJ does return cannot see why he would but if he does he could do a job at 7.
Again it's beyond stupid judging gilmore on 2019 or pre that ....again has been mentioned numerous times he was short listed in the TOP 3 championship players for poty...but oh no big Bob who probably hasn't run anything other than abuse on here knows better ....no disrespect to Smith...thought he played well Sunday...but right now in 2022 ...not 2019 ...gilmore is far far better .....
Beyond stupid is to release a player because he did next to nothing in 60 appearances and then re-sign that same player.It's great for Tom that he is playing well for Batley but that is where he should stay as he is better suited to them than he is to us.You have to stand by your decision.Wigan released loads of players over the years who went on to star at other clubs- Brown,Robinson,Hodgson,Gilmour etc.But they didn't want them back because it's going backwards instead of forwards.Besides it's hardly worked out great for us so far, re-signing former players.Ince, Grady, Lawton, Tyrer.Typical Widnes fan mentality,always looking at the past.
From what i know Gilmore will be here next year. Heard he had bought Brew Lane next to Leggies.
I'm seeing the phrase 'he could do a job for us' a lot, in this and other threads. 'Do a job for us' is not good enough. With our average attendances, income stream from VIQI and general standing in the game, players should be recruited who are amongst the very best in their chosen position at this level of competition.
We've had FAR too many 'do a job for us' players over the years. I could 'do a job' in the Widnes team, but for the love of god they shouldn't sign me.