It was inevitable after last seasons disaster that we would have to go with a skinny squad. For the optimistic amongst us though, every time this has happened in the recent past we have followed up with a bit of a surprise bounce back year. The core of our squad is still pretty good and we know how well they are capable of playing, there was obviously numerous unrest as well last year and things coming out of the camp so far do suggest we might have a happier and overall more settled squad.

May have a happier camp but not enough players in the squad.

For all the long faces on here, we should be happy with the incoming quality - AOB, Douglas and Eden. The only outgoing I'm sorry to see is Walmsley.

One week into pre season and there are already doom mongers giving it large. Common guys give Fax a chance.

I think we just need another decent big centre.

And an organiser, preferably a 6.

Really only one poster that could be suggested as a doom monger but even then you can see where the concerns arise from so its certainly something that can be discussed. It didn't really come across as a sky is falling type post.

We do still have the basis of a really strong team with the retentions this year - if we'd been announcing these now rather than during last season fans would probably be feeling a bit more upbeat. Yes I think we still need a quality centre, but we have made 3 quality signings, I do however think the club could do more to keep fans interested during the off season- at the moment everything just seems very flat.

Well we will have our first hit out at odsal on christmas eve. I can't remember going to a game on christmas eve before but with it being on a sunday this year it probably makes more sense than playing it on boxing day so the players can still enjoy their christmas.

Any news on Widdop

Rather have a couple of south sea islanders....if Whitehaven can manage it...

I don't think we should be chasing someone who's basically said he's had enough.

Pickersgill - gone

We all thought there was no mileage in that signing-was always too good for a number 2...put the money in a position where its needed and we can always get Hooley on DR....