Serious question guys.What/who do you reckon was the secret of your success (and it has been success) in the Championship, these past few seasons?

Ok, you did look jaded on Sunday, and there were justifiable reasons for that, but you looked pretty impressive when you hammered us at yours.

We had the nucleus of a good team from the Harrison era, that was a long time ago though and many of that team are still here and maybe as much a part that played in the success, it may also now be playing a part in our "downfall". Marshall also took over around the time we picked up some very good young talent and their inclusion in to the first team squad probably kept the players on their toes. Theres the new coach effect that usually lasts at least a season or two and strangely once the squad was put together the lack of funds to bring in players if anything just enhanced the team spirit in the squad.

The downside of it all was Marshall's record when it came to signing players, in season 2 where he had quite a bit of money he chose to pad out the squad and as a result of those signings we missed out on the top 4, Im not even sure if any of those players are still at the club. Sadly Marshall's poor recruitment decisions eventually cost him his job as once again this season with lots of money to spend he ignored what people around him were saying and went out and signed players that now see us in the position we are in. If anything it might have been a case of Marshall being too loyal to some players and not ruthless enough. When you look at the players he had the opportunity to sign but dillied and dallied when it came to making a decision it paints a sad picture when you see some of them ripping us apart this season.

Thanks for that. Ironically, we are currently reverting to a number of the players who were with us during our 'successful' time in the Championship, albeit with a different coach. We have had three almost completely new squads, in the past three seasons, but at least this one is performing with a good deal of pride in the shirt. In the past few seasons, we made the mistake, in my opinion, of jettisoning all the local lads and, last season we really looked like a group of mercenaries, playing with very little pride.

Where we go next, I'm not sure. I suspect our owner is waiting to re-ignite the SL dream, once Toronto are out of the way - although he could once again have HKR to contend with, and indeed Toronto, if they 'bottle' the play-offs again! I should be safe in hoping we don't end up getting promoted - if indeed we make the top five. I have thoroughly enjoyed this season, so far - it's been a refreshing change from the last couple of years. I wouldn't be downhearted at the prospect of tangling with 'Fax, Fev, Widnes etc. in the Championship for a few more seasons!

Alan, I would say a big part of our limited success, and as you say, yours this season, is having players who want to play for the club. Hard work is a must in rugby league, add some skill to that and you have a decent team, a couple of players who don’t pull their weight will cause a big impact.

Given that Marshall has been appointed by Saints is a big nod to his credentials. I think still that that he shouldn't have been shown the door. Yes performances have been sporadic but have to judge on the merits of the season, at the end of the season. I see people talking about players who need to go etc but no names have been given or who are realistic replacements. Would be an interesting discussion. I think the pool of available, quality players is shrinking and thus a solid reserves set up will serve us well going forward. I am sure that no one wants to go down fev the rent- a- squad route, despite them having access to a higher calibre of player.

I know some on here huff and puff about DR, but Fev and Leigh in particular have made good use which gives them the edge in quality and depth over the likes of Fax and Bradford.

On that note, it's great to see Will Maher back in our squad. Left out yet again by Cas last night, Powell just doesn't seem to rate him despite their poor form. He's a great lump of a lad who takes some bringing down and added much to our team last season. Hopefully we can sign him up on a season's loan 'till the end of the season.

In all due respect your responding without actually watching Fax. RM is an asst at best IMO and either not ready to be a Head Coach or will never be quite good enough. If you just look at the Top 4 finishes on paper that points to a good coach. The reality is we were very fortunate on a couple of those occasions to scrape into the top 4 and by all accounts the senior players were responsible for getting the team to gel. RM has poor player management, poor ability to spot and sign fresh talent and failed to further enhance or develop a squad that in the main he inherited. Hes no loss IMO and will have little additional influence on Saints first team

Clearly I talk to people who go week in and week out. Last year we finished joint second. I think what I don't understand with your sentiment sometimes is what more do you expect? We clearly overachieved and without a full time squad, we achieved the best possible outcomes. Senior players should be leading the team. I think if Marshall was that poor of a man- manager, I doubt you would have seen the finish we had last year.

It baffles me that a coach who overachieved consistently with us for so many seasons is still not valued at all by some of our fans.

To all above, we all have our own opinions on R M, good or bad. Whatever you all think look at how his CV will read, consistently over achieved, was instrumental in setting up academy, reserve, and, first team squads, no matter GFB if he inherited a lot from Rhino Harrison as you keep reminding people. Wherever his future lies good luck to the guy, Justin Holbrook obviously sees something in him . On sky Barry Mcdermot also spoke well of him yesterday.
R M has left the building. leave him be, remember the good things he has done, for sure as eggs make omelettes in a few years down the line the next generation of Fax fans will look at his stats and say "Didn't he do well" . Forward with Grix. Up the Fax

Pleased for marshall and his family hes a decent guy which is more than i could ever say about his line manager. Hopefully at a professional club like Saints with a supportive competent management structure he could go on to bigger and better things in his chosen trade. We could regret the decision that was made but only time will tell

I'm not sure what you're getting at there. RM was o.k. but nowt more. I think he will make a good number two but nowt more than that. If Fax want to go to the next level we did right to get shut. Good look to him at Saints and hopefully the club have made the right decision regarding Simon. Up The Fax!

Start of getting rid of some of Marshall's signings with White leaving the club. With the chance to sign both Sammutt and Ridyard and ending up with White was just another in a long line of poor recruitment decisions. He won't be the last I suspect.

The day before the season started you were claiming 'fax's squad was stronger than last season's! At least you're consistent in being inconsistent.