The reason I'm not on this site more is, to be frank, the amount of trolling on anyone daring to have an opinion different to them. That said I find it difficult to comprehend all those on here with a crystal ball that already know how next year is going to pan out. We have a full off season to recruit and a full preseason to get through before I would even dare to make a prediction.
The way GH has turned this club around in his relatively short tenure is nothing short of miraculous and I for one offer him my wholehearted support and hope he stays as CEO for a long time. Has he been lucky? You make your own luck in this world and I'm prepared to give him all the time he needs to "get lucky" again in whatever way he seems fit.
I have been a lifelong supporter of Leeds but ardently since the early 80's and to say that I haven't seen worse seasons than this years would be a lie but only one iirc when we had to win against Oldham to avoid relegation. The following year bore no resemblance whatsoever to the preceding one and with fingers crossed I pray that next year will be the same scenario

Kind of glad that I had to miss this game to work on my car. Didn't make pleasant listening on the radio though.

Leeds were only boring to watch under Peter Fox, and even then there were days we could turn it on. Our recruitment was more dramatic back then because you could easily buy/exchange players from other clubs (crap ones anyway), there was rugby union to recruit from and you could sign overseas players during their off season. Coaches didn't last long either. That's why the team could completely change it's personality every year. You can't do any of that now. What we have this year is pretty much what we've got next year. What I would say is that realistically there is only one key change we have the power to make that might significantly impact on next season, and that's to change the coaching set up. GH has done it before, Smith and Bluey both had natural lifespans at the club, you could feel it was the right time for both those guys to move on. McD should have been moved on end of last season as a winner. He wasn't and he now can't fix the issues we have on the pitch after losing Sinfield.

I think I know the season you have in mind. It was 1986/87, Leeds finished 12th of 16 with four going down - but only two coming up as the 1st division was cut to 14 for 1987/88 - Leeds lost their last four fixtures and survived only on points difference with Oldham the unlucky team going down. Both had an identical playing record having won 13 and lost 17 with Leeds surviving on -6 points difference V Oldham's -125. Leeds won 43% of their League fixtures in 1986/87 with an average score rounded to 19 - 19, 2016 by comparison was 35% and 18 - 25.

The irony perhaps for Oldham was in 1986/87 Leeds had lost both their fixtures to the Roughyeds - one under Peter Fox the other under Maurice Bamford.

Reality check for Segeyaro. he's far from the messiah.

Certainly last two games. But I prefer to look at it, and hope that is the case, that the complacent attitude running through this club as just hit him the last couple of games, and he has took it easy. Bit hypocritical, but at least it is only two games with him, rather than the 20 odd of his team mates.

He's obliviously talented, but in Leeds colours he hasn't played against quality opposition. Some regarding him as Super Leagues best hooker need to give their head a shake. He'll be pivotal in our chances of improving next year. A few less forward passes would not hurt! He also needs to pal up with a young understudy. I remember how highly Buderus spoke of McShane.

You are right. Playing wise scope is limited. Hardaker goes it releases cap, JJB not retained would release more spend, albeit I think he would be a loss. The only other way is a player decides to retire early. If only hardaker leaves, think only one decent signing is possible.

If McD stays or goes, we need fresh coaching input and I think it will happen. Today my glass is half full of Luke warm cat slash.

Matter of interest what was the (number) Leeds following yesterday?

What evidence is there that Leeds spend the salary cap - I've never believed they have, not even in 2010 and that was a quality looking squad on paper, still able to add a returning Lee Smith to it mid season. If Gary Hetherington maxed the available spend in 2016 then he is losing his scrooge like tendancies and I'm not buying in to that scenario.

great updated info, thank you

I am not a big fan of JJB like others, never really have been. He's average at best in terms of ability, and the loss should be easy to cover. However, and let me make this clear, since his return he is the only player to show the sort of attitude, body on the line, will to work, that his team mates so clearly lack. What we may easy cover on ability, will find it incredibly hard under the current set up, to replicate that attitude and effort with someone else. Even I have to accep that. Shouldn't be that way, but unfortunately it is.

Leeds can thank Wigan for not getting relegated that season. In fact, Leeds owe Wigan two favours.

Wigan beat Oldham last game of the season 24-6 at the Watersheddings, courtesy of an Ellery Hanley hat trick and a try to David Stephenson. Wigan didn't need to win as they finished the season as champions 15 points clear of St Helens and Warrington.

Leeds may have lost their last 4 league games but Oldham lost their last 6 to Castleford, Barrow, Leigh, Salford and Wigan twice.

Leeds 4 defeats at the end of the season were against St Helens, Castleford, Bradford Northern and Halifax.

I recall the Halifax home game very well from the old Eastern Terrace with Leeds fans chanting "going down, going down, going down" during large parts of the game. Halifax fans obviously joined in on the Western Terrace

Question for TVOC: Which former Leeds player scored for Halifax on that last day of the championship season when Leeds were pondering relegation?

2,315, good turnout.

Sunday afternoon helps obviously,
your other followings this year were

1,259 in SL
1,970 in the cup game.
both on friday nights.

Don't think anyone knows but I can't imagine there is much left unspent. The other issue hinted at by McD earlier in the year is that both Sutcliffe and Lilley are on ten bob and a conker and therefore may be getting more next season.