How do you know? He's only coached Catalans at first grade level before, hasn't he? And a lot of work was done at Catalans by the previous coach.


How did Saints take a step backwards last season? They probably remained static, yes, in that they won the Challenge Cup and hubcap on both occasions but having reached the Grand Final, failed to beat Leeds. But that's at least maintaining a standard, certainly not going backwards. We have undoubtedly gone backwards this season.


If by some miracle we perform in the playoffs - good enough to beat teams, I mean - then the bad performances will not be forgotten. They'll be forgiven; but not forgotten.

Because I do, lets leave it at that. He is well respected by people within the game (players and coaches) and comes from a stable that has bread some very successful coaches - Millward and Anderson to name but two. He wouldnt have got the job at Saints if they didnt think he was good enough for the job. Do you think that other coaching staff at the club dont have any input into the person who replaced DA?



I didnt say that took a step back last season, I said they had remained static for two seasons, my reference to a step backwards was aimed at this year but in context of my post, can be understood due to the lack of player signings to replace departures and the number of young players having to be dropped in at the deep end. Be honest, do you think that with the injuries (and player departures) we have had this season, there is any coach in the world that could have retained the standard of rugby (and results) that the fans have expected?



I remain to be convinced about that. Lets see how many people are slagging off the team or Potter if we beat Leeds twice before the end of October.

That's rubbish. It took Potter three years to get his team up and running. They were rewarded with their patience by finishing so high up the table last year, not forgetting their Challenge Cup outing the year before. IIRC in their first season they were pretty poor although they should some good touches when giving the ball some air. Catalans may have been a forward-orientated team but whenever I've seen them at KR (which is every time they've been here) they've always shown that they can give the ball some air. In fairness to Potter he did have players who could pass though there

Well, according to our chairman, he got the job to bring on our young players and from what I have read of Potter, that is where his reputation lies. I haven't heard a thing mentioned about his reputation with regard to first grade, presumably because we only have his stint at Catalans to go on.


I have no idea who imputs into what at Saints as I don't work for the club.


People seem to have forgotten that our performances, a handful of games excepted, have looked iffy all season. Some folk like to make excuses for abysmal performances, others prefer high but realistic expectations. We haven't had injuries for the last three weeks or so, so there has been no excuse for the performances IMO.


That is such a silly comment it really isn't worth responding to.

He plucked them all out of thin air did he? There was actually a coach there before him, you know.

By that token, I am blaming Daniel Anderson for the "mess" we are in now.

So the fact that they improved out of sight from his first season to his last is due to the coach that preceded him?

And I assume the fact that they seem to have gone backwards a bit this year is because he started the rot too.

I blame Daniel Anderson too. He left. So it is in fact his fault!

Well, as many have suggested about Daniel Anderson's tenure, perhaps he built on what was there already.


What?

Kevin Walters has even less experience at first grade level than Potter. But I think Potter enjoyed his experience with the Catalans. The impression I have got is that they very much liked him over there and he does go over there for his hols doesn't he? I think his wife is still over there, isn't she? Or has she moved over here now? He probably hasn't really left there.

the hot dog seller or the kitman.....they couldnt do much worse rommel auld lad.

Since when is there two comma's in St Helens?

Mick's the man for the job !!!

Unfortunately he has inherited an old team with several players well past their sell buy date.

Wellens, Long, Cunningham - they have been great players but are now too long in the tooth.

And Pryce is the invisible man !!!

Stick with Mick you'll be ok

How many of those UTC players in 2005 were there last year and starting? I would guess at not very many.