Have to admit the number of players leaving our Club after injuries, and becoming brilliant players at other clubs is very disheartening.

He is out of contract after this season.

If Gaskell leaves, I'm a lot more accepting of it than I would have been last season. Last season he was outstanding. This season he's looked like he doesn't give a toss any more. If he wants out, let him go. I don't want any player at the club who doesn't want to be here, regardless of how good they are. A superstar who doesn't want to be here, will play like they are average at best.

As long as we replace him, then I'm actually not that fussed any more.

Agree with a lot of that, the only thing is I don't think Lowes ever put Gaskell in a team or a system where he had a decent chance of doing what we know he can do. I'm sure he does give plenty of tosses, but if we're ponderous and constantly on the back foot, and he's the lone halfback, it can't make it any easier. But yes I would agree that even making allowances for that, there's no doubt his form has slumped.

Absolutely. Don't get me wrong, I always have trouble believing a player is out on the pitch not caring. But he certainly has LOOKED like that this year. But I agree, it can't be easy getting motivated when you know you're the only real playmaker in the side and you're not getting the support you should be getting. You really couldn't blame someone in that position wanting to move on where his job might be a bit easier.

I will add that in many ways, Gaskell's style is a bit like that of John Woods, both could look disinterested and stood about, but in reality that was just Woods' imperious way, and I think Gaskell is similar. And has that inimitable something extra when the occasion arises.

brough is contracted till the end of 2017 with the giants not 2016.

grix is though if you want him.

John Woods - the best player I have had the privilege of watching, in many years of supporting Leigh. A class act, who also did more than his fair share of tackling.

I've just double checked and you are indeed correct. God knows why I had it in my head it was 2016...

In fact the ambiguous nature of the statement at the time ("Signed 5 year deal" in July 2013) could even mean he's contracted for 2018 too. Depends if 2013 was included in the 5 or not.

, his long blond hair floating in the breeze as he sauntered towards the line, then the sudden acceleration as he found the gap and went through it - long to be remembered! He'd fit in right now...

Gaskell couldn't lace Woodys boots

Long blond hair????

Why not? He can lace his own - I've seen him - and what would be so hard about lacing somebody else's? Lacing boots isn't rocket science.



Dunno about blond though - I always thought he had the look of Bobby Ewing