It’s a long season and he needs to know who can do what, he’s pretty much there with his own lads, although pre season was hindered by a number of normal first teamers still carrying knocks from the middle 8’s but he’s not sure about the Cas contingent.
The inclusion of one DR for another DR (apple for apple) who has some SL experience doesn’t carry too much risk but tells him something as much about attitude as ability so it’s not tinkering for tinkering sake without any thought behind it.
It’s a long season and he needs to have a look at everyone who he has at his disposal.

Given recent results, and I include the end of last season, yesterday has to be the most enjoyable day I've had at the Shay for some time. Congratulations to all involved, like others I thought RM had gone nuts with Sharpe on the wing, but I was proved wrong....lets hope we can keep this going.

I did notice that Sharpe and Woody did change positions in second half. Not on RM's intructions according to post match interview but he said that was ok.Johno had a stormer and Grix in the middle worked much better. I would leave that triangle now and let it settle.
RM to make changes for Oldham game. More youngsters/ fringe players in methinks.Doubt we will see any Cas players as they would be cup tied then for Cas.Leigh looked devoid of confidence and I agree they have let some good Championship players and lads proud to wear the Leigh shirt go-and it showed yesterday. We just looked totally different to the side at Rochdale.Discipline and ball retention much better.

I too thought moving Sharp was a daft move but bringing Jonno back along with Heaton gave us much more go forward. I think RM should resist any temptation to try changes for the cup game. Let's get a settled team and get on a roll. Yesterday was, in my view, a must win if we want to make the top four and the lads did the job brilliantly. Summat wasn't right about Leigh but who cares, that's their problem. It was just a shame we missed Charlie and Frank, it would have been nice to have a little gloat for a change! The Grove, shuddersfield. Hawkshead XPA 4.0% Mmm!

The job Richard Marshall is doing is in my opinion underrated, JWH and Brandon Moore look ready to take the reigns of Muzza and Kaye, i expect to see them as our first choices as the season progresses.

RM being a forward who wasn’t the biggest, but was deinfitely smart, is really helping him build a good pack, and helping him spot a prospect. As we start to gel and get our full strength pack available I don’t see any side bullying us, we just need to find the right balance in attack. What an example Will Sharp sets to anyone starting in the game. It seems most of us have really taken to him after an indifferent start, he turned it round brilliantly.

It’s going to be really tough to make the top 4 this time round, but we only need one of the 4 to start faltering and we look like well be ready to take anything offered.
Well done all.