Well, move over PR disaster and on-field pessimist, off-field dreamer and all round imbecile Richard Wright, and let's hear what the coach (the one who works with the players when he's not losing his fingers in France) has to say about our chances this year. And this is itWe’re striving to be better, whether that means ending up higher in the table, I don’t know,

We understand the challenges ahead. Teams like Warrington, Hull and Bradford all under-achieved last year and have bought really well.

Everyone is tipping them to be in the top eight but we’re confident we can build on what we did last year.

We haven’t made too many changes. We’re pleased with the two acquisitions we’ve made and, because we had so many new players the year before, I feel they’re still finding their way in our team and every one of them can be better for us as well. '"

I did like his quote the other day:

"Fingers, or finger, crossed we'll be ok".

I hope in his teamtalks T.M keeps telling the players what that joke of a CEO said as a motivation,to create a siege mentality,
to say its us against the world etc

And we will get behind them too, regardless what DICK WRONG says

I too have been less than optimistic about the coming season for the same reasons Matterson has highlighted - we've largely got the same team as last year and 3 of the teams that finished below us - Bradford, Warrington & Hull are strongly fancied to do much better (read 'finish above Cas'). However there are positives to our squad as well.

1. We haven't lost any players that made us a good side last year (at the start of last season we were having to cope with loss of Luke Dorn - arguably our best player of the previous season)

2. None of the players in the squad are at an age where they could be expected to be worse players this year than last.

3. Some of the players in the squad are likely to be better this season: Shenton will be better for his international experience, Owen & Westerman are a year older and stronger, Rangi Chase has had a year to settle and get to know the team. Hudson may actually play more than the odd game!

4. We have signed 2 good forwards who will enhance our pack.

On top of this, lets not forget that making a lot of changes to your side doesn't always work - look what happened to us in 2004!

we'll go ok, ive even got a twenty on us beating leeds, TM seems to know what he's doing and thats high praise from me, i never wanted him darnt lane to start with.

another top 8 finish (only just) this coming term

We have been predicted 11th on sporting life. A bit harsh I thought.

rlhttp://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME

That's because Ian Laybourn has no love whatsoever for Cas. You don't need a clue to guess who raked up the 'build in stages' story again a few weeks ago.

I'm expecting 9th. 8th if we're lucky.

I guess its better than last year when they predicted 12th

They are writing us off too early don't be surprised if we acheive top 6