The problem with that scenario will be if we're in the mire early again as we'll go straight back to knee jerk signings and the whole youth scenario will go out the window.

I really can't see us getting into the top 5 next year - Wire have Widdopp, Wigan have Hastings, Cats have Maloney and Hull and Sts will both be strong.

That depends, I've got a feeling SL will announce a 14 team SL from 2021 onwards with no relegation from SL next year - that really would be good for us as we shouldn't have the need to panic buy

So a solid 6th then?

There are way too many variables to predict where we're going to finish next year with any accuracy IMO.

Yes we have some class talent arriving at the top clubs, but they still have to stay fit and in form.

I don't believe any other club has quite the depth and breadth of youth talent that Leeds have at the moment, and that must remain our foundation.

It's for that reason that our next coach must have a track record developing youth successfully, and be strong both technically and morally. Young lads need skills input but also role models to manage behaviours early on in their careers - that's so important to harness the talent.

I still can't make my mind up on P&R. I hope you're right from a selfish standpoint, because we really could do with a year of rebuilding without fear of dropping out of SL.

I still think overall, the right type of licensing system is probably best, but there's no denying that this year's race to the bottom has been interesting so far.

I just don't see the point in P&R when we're potentially replacing stronger clubs (or core clubs) with others who happen to have enjoyed a good run in the lower league one year. I guess if the Championship were better funded etc. then it wouldn't be so cataclysmic for a club like Leeds to go down - but even in football there is a huge gap between Premier League and the rest.

The truth is that we should focus on the elite competition first. You can still incentivise Championship clubs with an open, meritocratic licensing system: it wasn't quite right last time.

Yeah you have to start with the focus on the elite competition as that is in reality what will help the game grow and generate income which should in turn filter down in whatever form. Getting super league right is paramount

Right then. Place your bets. Who is it going to be? I'm thankful to Agar hes done a solid job but not enough for me to get it. It's the least I expected was to be safe with money that's been spent. But I am thankful to him. And hes been a credit to the club. Quite happy for him to get a job in the set up.

McNamara might be available soon, although I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.

Can see Catalans going for Wane, esp. with all the ex-Wigan players there, and their physical but currently undisciplined style of play.

God no not Macnamara. Can’t stand the way Cats play.

Realistically it’s a Flanagan or Griffin, or a Demetriou, Ryles, Carr. Powell cocked his snoot and Cas lost their way this year anyway.

Watson has done well but I’m not convinced. Ward again, would like to see more.

Coaches are an often quirky breed.

In terms of a new coach, or players, let’s not replace players for the sake of it if the players who are being brought in are no better than the players we are trying to off load. It’s better to hold back and try and replace from within until either the right player or coach becomes available. This year 4 forwards have either not player or hardly played due to injury and while it’s likely two will be retiring, both Crosby and Ward if they can get fit for next season will be like new signings. With replacing a couple of players who would bring added value and class to the team, promoting a few of the kid etc and getting the injured fit, then we may see a big improvement for next year.
I know most on here ( including me) don’t see. Ferres as a decent player, however someone here at Leeds does, he seems to be always in the starting 13, love him or hate him, someone ate Leeds likes him

Ferres has actually been in good form for a month or so to be fair

But Ferres is off contract at the end of the season, and I thought he'd indicated he had been told he could/would leave? If we end up keeping him then they're leaving it late. We're overstocked with back rowers though, so I'd be happy for him to go, particularly if he only performs when his contract is ending or he's in the shop window.

A few of the players are speaking well of Agar in the Media I.E Cuthbo etc I wonder if this is the club preparing us. For next years Head Coaching announcement?

Then again some of the players speaking highly of Agar may just be the players who normally speaking we would be getting rid of.
Maybe a bit of bottom licking going on to secure a contract for next year?

The thing is you’d never know unless you were in the camp, we’ll have to wait and see what the club does.

We clearly need some further surgery on the squad so all areas need looking at ahead of 2020.

Personally I don’t think we’ll be title-ready until and unless some of the youth matures and fulfils some potential. We have some very talented lads but they will need to step up if we’re to challenge again.

I do think one more round of tough calls now could save us a lot of issues down the line actually. Most of the work has been done to set better foundations but the job is obviously not complete yet.