I agree with a bit of what you say elsewhere but you seem to have forgotten that time Hetherington founded, ran, coached and made economically viable and competitive an almost uniquely successful expansion team. Or when he basically ran the RFL for a while in the early 2000s.

It's fair to question whether he's still got the knack he once did of spotting and recruiting players. But then he has stated he has been trying to transfer the DOR aspect of his job to someone else since 2018.

The experience of building a development club is not really relevant to the current situation. This is elite level sport that needs elite level thinking. This club has been in decline since 2015 - I accept the stadium revamp would have used up a lot of time and energy but that was completed pre-pandemic. Having JJB in charge and seriously suggesting he might get the job is thinking that is way off. This needs decisive leadership where a crucial decision is needed and soon. Looking at the fixtures coming up I see Tolouse as the only game that looks winnable given the recent performance levels.

I don't think GH seriously believes JJB is the man, but in the situation the club is in he had to give his backing. Beg to differ a little on the winnable games. After the Saints game ( where a epic stuffing beckons) we have a week off before Hudds. With any luck at all we will have four props available. That will make a huge difference. Hopefully also a new coach, but I guess the jury is out on that one.

I agree on this totally - whilst I find his waffle infuriating in a coaching context I don't think JJB is anywhere near the shortlist for the permanent job.

The only option aside from JJB was Long, at least in the short-term. I've no problem with GH publicly backing him. The fact that JJB is even in this position for a couple of weeks shows what a state GH has let the coaching staff get into. When you look back though its probably not surprising - succession planning in the coaching ranks has definitely not been a strong point, and jobs for ex players has been going on for years. Not one of our ex-players has really shown any coaching ability, except for Powell.