I think you're being harsh on Delaney there. Hopefully Watkins will step up to replace Senior next season.

Personally I think we need to sign someone to replace Senior, especially now Donald is leaving. I don't think Watkins is up to it week in week out just yet, and I worry that chucking him in too early could be disastrous for his career. Senior is a massive presence on the pitch for us, in both attack and defence and to lose that kind of influence and replace it with a young (admittedly promising) lad could be too much for him.
If Donald were still here I'd maybe be tempted to alternate Watkins & Smith at centre, but hey ho.

Do we really need any signings?

Delaney is very very solid if unspectacular, Watkins needs lots of game time for me, he will be 20 by the start of next season.

Clarkson has been a revelation this year on top of good showings by Ambler & Pitts

Donald does not need replacing < Smith

Throwing money at big names didn't work in the past but giving promising young players a chance did.

I'd agree up to a point, I just think Senior is so important to us in our back line and the team generally that it'll be a big transition when he retires. I don't really want that pressure being put on Watkins shoulders at a young age and when he's still a bit wet behind the ears. I don't mean never play him, I'd just rather ease him than having him as first choice every single week.


It did work, but they had to be complimented by some pretty big name, big money signings. For instance Webb, Ellis & Peacock.

Fair points TS but imo we need at least 1 especially with the number of 30+'s in the squad plus we can't expect Peacock to go on forever especially after this injury.
Of course we should give youth a go and i would be more than happy to see more from Pitts,Ambler and Clarkson.
The return of Bjb also adds to the numbers in the backs BUT with a rotation policy i expect us to use and the possibility or more injuries i would like 1 more namely a centre or Prop.

Webb came in for Mathers who won a GF with us then decided to try the NRL

Peacock was free wasn't he?, Peacock & Ellis where both great bit's of business for Leeds, I very much doubt we could get an English player of their calibre for next year.

I still think Amor is an interesting project and doubt the club will have given up on him.

And he won't be unless his form warrants it. Senior is still here next season and he'll be reluctant to stand aside for anyone. He won't reach his personal appearance target without playing plenty next season and some of those appearances will still be at centre.

Ambler will have another year or two's experience by the time Peacock retires, getting another prop in now will just reduce his already limited game time.

If we get another centre who is going to make way? Senior or Delaney and when would Watkins get a game?

Is anyone shuddering at the thought of us signing Fielden, the kids done.

I think like i posted that the rotation policy will ensure that the elder members of the squad get more rest that means the likes of Senior,Kylie,Peacock,Buderus and Ali will all be rotated more and tbh it would'nt surprise me to see Watkins go out on loan for a month or 2 to build up his match fitness plus we are bound to pick up injuries which the older players take longer to recover from.
Of course we still have projects going in the shape of Amor and Coady to add to the mix and the squad on paper looks very deep but it did this year and look what happened.
I personally would add to the squad whether we do or not is another thing although GH has stated he wants 1 more addition.

Quote: rhinoms "although GH has stated he wants 1 more addition.'" www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/l ... 6462424.jp That was before Donald decided to ship out at the end of this season. Will that still be the situation now?

Quote: rhinoms "although GH has stated he wants 1 more addition.'" www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/l ... 6462424.jp That was before Donald decided to ship out at the end of this season. Will that still be the situation now?

I think he'll stick at 1 mate with Bjb retrurning and Smithy coming home.

Could go for 2 like for like or pool the money for a World class signing