------ hopes / targets / dreads for next term?
From reading other threads, it would appear to me "underwhelmed so far" sums it up.
Ninth in the campaign just finished, just one place (albeit four wins) above my mob, wasn't satisfactory I would imagine?
You (like us) have ins and outs, both on and off the park, and Messrs Coleman, and Kilshaw will be keen to put their stamp in their new locations, and naturally, I sincerely hope that the latter, proves the more successful of the two!
Spelly.
Probably too early to have a strong opinion. But the gut feeling is another season where we fall short of the playoffs and finish between 7th and 11th. I don’t think we will go down but I don’t have a lot of optimism for any real sort of upturn in results based on the current nosies and rumours. Goes without saying that I hope I’m wrong.
Think it's hard to judge anything atm ..seems to be a civil war within the fan base that's basically been driven by the clubs ineptitude and inability or willing to reconnect with the fans ...I'm bit more confident regarding Coleman having spoken to few people that know his ability..it's good he's being able to construct a coaching team rather than be lumped with one or in sheens case none at all ..think the clubs done the right thing with offloaded players ..some just made of biscuits..some who just couldn't be arsed ..but I think the future will be heavily reliant on the squad build ...rumoured signings are just rumours until confirmed... personally I like rhodri lyodd but that'll cause a meltdown coz he's coming from Swinton..butt I'm not sure about although his try scoring record is good...I think there the only two rumours that carry any shred of truth ..already others have actually gone elsewhere that were rumoured signings .chapelhow..badrock ..and don't forget littler was a done deal as new coach according to here and social media...turned out wasn't anywhere near getting the job ....guess we'll just have to suffer the slow drip of squad news and see where it ends ...
Like this year, I think we'll be in that middle pack of teams, whether we're near the top of it or the bottom depends on recruitment. We won't challenge the top teams, Wakey, Fev, London/Toulouse, Bradford, but neither will we get relegated. So, again like this year, probably depends how we go against Fax, York, Sheffield and Batley as to where we finish; 5th, 6th or 9th again.
Still too much recruitment to come but hopefully we will compete with a pack that plays like a pack and gives our backs a chance. Big spender will still be hard to beat but they can be beaten!
Confidence that, whatever the opposition, we will compete hard and play to our maximum would make my ST investment worthwhile!
There will be games where we are simply out played but we should never be bullied and humbled.
That just isn't 'Widnes'!!!!!
Spelly it is too soon for a prediction because the squad is not completed. Personally the way the club is run most of us have our expectations 8th to just avoiding relegation. Need a bigger pack than last season to not get bullied and a decent number 6 to replace Craven. Most of the backs if re sign I am happy with to be honest, but I do feel need a link up with a Superleague club to get some quality loan players. DR I feel should be just in the forwards and not in pivotal positions.
One thing that our increased coaching staff could indicate is that we may now have the means to study and pull apart our opposition. Sheffield streaming through our centre field was something that made even the most ardent fans despair. We should be doing that to our opposition!
As a side issue I trust that Neil Belshaw is still with us! He saw out the season, with ad hoc assistance, but should be part of a much stronger coaching team for next year.
Depends if sign more mercenaries like Kyle Amor. Needs to look at his performances at Widnes before slamming Featherstone. Don't need these type of players who are not committed. 🙈🤡
I suspect that Amor and JK was a stitch up tbh. JK wanted someone on the field and Amor was it. He did add some stability but no real passion.
The real key could be that Coleman wants to succeed as part of his progression as a career coach whereas JK was just looking for another job to supplement his other jobs. Coleman will be out to show that he can coach and our facilities will help in that.
Just need the rest of the playing squad and a good conditioner to get them fit.
I suspect that Amor and JK was a stitch up tbh. JK wanted someone on the field and Amor was it. He did add some stability but no real passion.
The real key could be that Coleman wants to succeed as part of his progression as a career coach whereas JK was just looking for another job to supplement his other jobs. Coleman will be out to show that he can coach and our facilities will help in that.
Just need the rest of the playing squad and a good conditioner to get them fit.
Might be correct on that one mate. We need a coach with ambition and players who want to succeed. Amor and Kear just wanted to top up some extra pocket money. Hence why said mercenary for Amor and that holiday to Benidorm took the piss while we had a game. Belshaw is not a well known name and did well. Obviously we need quality players to be successful, but I feel a good coach can also get the best out of average players.
One thing I do feel positive about is he may have a bigger budget than he did at Swinton
I agree with your earlier point on coaching. During the first part of last season I thought we were just disorganised. If we can change that then it could be the single biggest difference for us. It doesn't matter how fast, fit, big or skilful you are, if you don't know what you are meant to be doing and everything is off the cuff, you'll get found out.
In my opinion, this is what happened in the cup at Dewsbury. We tried to make it up as we went along and Sykes who craftier and more experienced just unpicked us, and we didn't have an answer.
The organisation definitely improved later on, after JK left, but we had lost so much ground by then it was always a big ask to get anything out of the season. I not sure about the announcements of new staff, and everyone will have their own opinion on that, but this season the backroom staff could well be our most important signings.
Anything but play-offs should be deemed a failure for Widnes in this division - but unfortunately, that has become the accepted norm.
Amor questioning the Featherstone squad and their motivation, sounded like he was describing himself at Widnes in his final season.
Amor questioning the Featherstone squad and their motivation, sounded like he was describing himself at Widnes in his final season.
My point exactly mate and definitely his attitude at Widnes. He was really shite.
It is far too early to say Spelly but the signs are not good so far & I would not be surprised if we get a weaker squad than we had last season. Position outside top 6 but hopefully not in a relegation fight.