I'm afraid it's damage limitation all the way....

Its a tricky one. Everyone banging on about how we should remember how we have done so well to make the top 4 which in reality is a great achievment but we end up in the middle 8's and stand a good chance of not winning a game for a second year on the bounce. Now last year despite making the top 4 we could not afford to improve the squad and talk suggests that it will be similar again next season but this year from a selfish point of view Leigh have fallen apart and Fev seem to be heading the same way so we should start the year with a good chance of making the top 4 again(if that is the structure).

Looking at Fev they did invest heavily in the squad and IMO were unlucky to lose both first choice half backs and would probably have made 2nd place if that were not the case so its very fine lines but we have to find a way to make the next step up and if that means making some unpopular decisions to lose players to bring in some quality then hopefully the club will do that.

As you say GFB it's a very fine line to be trod running a RL club. I note Featherstone have released/paid off Gareth Hock which is money down the drain and ludicrous for any club let alone a part time one. How do we get to the next step? I don't know but you would think and hope that having made the top four, and the benefits of that success, that we as a club are in a position to improve and build on the past few season's. Up The Fax!

Surely we can improve squad this time.We NEED at least 5 changes and it won't be a top 4 objective next year.

A whole new ball game these middle 8s, going from "knowing" they've a great chance to finish in the top 4 in the championship, to thinking there's little or no chance of finishing above the SL teams in the Middles, so must have an effect on mental prep. But keep plugging away, lads, and try to get a win under your belts.

Notice that Gareth Hock has left Fev. The guy is a total hot head but a great player at this level (he was a right handful against us in the Bash). If he's affordable, is he worth a punt, or would he upset the great bond in our team? (Despite being an on field hot head, he might be a great off field laugh. I don't know).

If the middle 8s have gone and its 1st v second I would spend money and go or promotion. I think Toulouse and Toronto will go up this year

Fuzzy duck. Gareth Hock, remember we had a guy by the name of Sam Barlow, great off field character, on field a liability despite being a 'quality player' do we really need to go there again?

Hock I don't think Marshall would touch him with a barge pole although he would be cheaper than normal with Fev paying him off. Ridyard on the other hand I would be breaking the bank to try and take him away from Fev. It does sound like we are looking at a few Fev players but who we are looking at and who we actually sign could be miles apart again.

Stay well clear of Hock, total liability.

cannot believe anyone would consider signing him. especially fax, got there on the squad playing for each other yet hock is a liability on the field at some time in the game.

Love your optimism and congratulations for getting in the four but this is the reality of being the only part-time team in there.

The fixtures aren't kind either - pitching you in against the two teams just above you away from home.

I Think there needs to be some monetary realism. If the club has broken even this year it will be the first time in god knows how many years. 2015 /16 everything was blown They have achieved a managed budget this year by clamping down on the playing budget and maximising revenue streams , so what ever decisions they make breaking the bank to get Ridyard sounds like previous management by rainbow dreamers decisions not current hard nosed business decisions See how Sam Wood goes at half back before signing anyone and try get Muzza and Simon grix fit in the off season lets face it Muzza didn't score until the summer bash which tells its own tale. If Scott Grix is a signing then problem solved . Ridyard always has been class but he comes at a very premium cost . It has to be the right player at the right price. its such a shame we couldn't cling on to QLT because he altered the whole shape of our attack making it so less predictable giving the halves that extra yard cand we probably wouldn't be having these discussions . Moss might be quick but he doesn't seem to be able to lose the first defender like Qlt . Or split the defensive line.

You can only get someone fit who wants to be fit, other wise they are a liabilty.