What I dont understand, is that, if you listen to other people, we supposedly have cash to splash on players; if that is the case, why aren't we attracting new "big name" players to the club? I wonder if the lure of attractive attacking rugby is taking these players elsewhere.

I'll try but can't promise I'll not be in a similar state

As an aside if Barlow has gone, with Godwin going to Fax, then assuming Fax can sign another big lad (say Fielden) do you think that the balance of the Fax 2013 side would be better or worse, because for me this would make Fax a stronger team for next year.

And if you then assume that Barlow would end up in SL sooner rather than later then for me all of this looks like good business by Fax, get a decent half back/hooker and a replacement prop +25k for a player you are likely to lose in say 12 months time anyway.

And if I remember correctly isn't Fielden a Fax lad?

He is but is another injury prone player would rather keep Sam who is younger and has more years left in him.

Neil, if you were guaranteed to keep Sam for more than 2 years then I agree withg you (I would have been happy to have seen Fev sign him).

As for Fielden if you got him on a pay-as-you-play contract I would think that would be a good deal (would be happy with that for Fev BTW). However I use Fielden as an example, in that whoever Fax sign as a replacement for Sam (assuming he is going) then if his replacement is a decent standard I think the overall balance of the Fax squad looks better with Godwin.

All if's and but's I know.

Cracking post and i couldn't agree more. I can't be doing with the pi$$ing contest some fans engage in.