The vast improvement in folk spelling McClennan correctly right now is a joy to behold. I guess he's finally getting the recognition that AP knew he deserved all along.

Well done all

Just to switch to AP mode for a second, Smith was the brother of a former Bradford coach who paid his own air fare over to coach Huddersfield (an appointmant that I seem to remember think was about as low as the British game could get -really would we take anyone to coach an SL side as long as was from Australia?). Then He managed to get Hudds to be "moderately average" (an achievement I know, for them) and then came to Leeds. He is less than scintillating in an interview (I remember his first appearance on Boots 'n All after his aforementioned flight to the UK - not inspiring0.
McClenonananamanlenon was an international coach who lead NZ to win the Tri-Nations. I can sort of understand why he was initially greeted with more enthusiasm than Smith by some and given more leeway early on (although there is no excuse for the crud Smith got last year from some).
Having said that, I slagged Smith off to a mate when he came over to take the Hudds job, but when Leeds appointed him coach I thought it was a shrewd appointment. The characterisitics that Hudds showed were all the things Leeds were missing - epitomised by the defeat they inflicted on us in 2003. My mate has not stopped reminding me of my initial evaluation of Smith, and I don't care, I am big enough to look at facts and change my mind.

in one of the rugby papers today smith states that he felt it was probably time for a change even if the england job hadn't come up.
i think thats a fair call

League Express, I've just finished reading it.

I think you're right, it was time for a change. I remember saying last year, I felt he'd go with thanks and relief from me. In saying that, I felt that coaches only have a certain timespan at a club before things need freshening up and Smith had got to that point.

Oh, and loving the headline for LE - "THAT'S WHY THEY'RE CHAMPIONS!"

Correction needed here, That's why were STILL CHAMPIONS

The sub heading is Rhinos claim back-to-back Grand Finals, so they just about get away with it.

Were?

We still are.

Correction needed here


That's why we're STILL CHAMPIONS

HTH

In fairness, it's a better attempt than the one in my text on Saturday night. Where indeed

Seems certain people never learn...

Although Jeff was showing the first signs of his dilution it still makes for a cracking read.

AP called it correctly last year. Bluey is indeed a top banana!

Those who are now claiming that they were on message all along, have been comprehensively shown up as opinionated know nowts.

Such is life, but I hope they stay with us, and I look forward to reading their amusing nonsense for a few more seasons yet.

I agree, cracking read and very amusing.

He's back you know.