Quote: St pete "He wasn't that slow.
Tommy had no pace at all!
Bobbie was impottant as he was 1 of the players that turned saints into winners.'"
On his day, bobby was masterful. The following statement is not meant to take anything away from that.
The first season he joined (94-95) and the nary season, bobby was imperious and oozed class (international class even?). Despite winning the league in '96, Bobby's form wasn't [iquite[/i as high (still impressive), but Tommy's come back (and Karl Hammond's reletively good form) through the season took pressure off.
'97 rolled around, Bobby was sent off in the Wigan clash and handed and 8(?) match ban. Its interesting to remember that before this game he'd requested a transfer, which he retracted following the red card. Tommy Martyn (not Lee Briers) then guided us to Wembley.
After that, Bobby's input was less than awesome.
Does anyone remember the evening game at Headingly when we lost by 1 point? We'd scored, not far from the posts but Goulding hit the post with the converstion. Now, does anyone remeber Long slotting one from the touchline at OT in '99
So here are my analysis of the players as I see it.
Goulding. Made for the job, his cockyness and enthusiasm help make him everything you wanted in your 7, but unfortunately, he couldn't quite keep control of his demons and they got the better of him.
He did however, always play with a smile on his face, and [imade[/i you enjoy watching him.
Long. As a youngster his game was based on pace, swerve and little more. He's overcome 3(?) serious knee injuries to claim the LT 3 times. His technical game has developed enormously, especially since DA got the coaching job.
If Goulding had Long's mental resiliance, he'd have been one of the all time greats of the game.
Tommy. The conosuer's choice. The smartest kicker, craftiest footballer, the silkiest skills, and the best all-round half back. Could play 6 or 7 with aplomb. Goulding may have been the star when we got to the top, but Martyn kept us there. Also battled back from numerous serious injuries.
Hammond? A man of peaks and troughs, probably down to the fact that I don't actually think he liked playing rugby that much.