Agree.

On paper we have a very good squad but it is underutilised to the the point where we have no idea our strongest team which is a worry.

If Smith can organise us and picks the correct players in the correct positions theres no reason why we shouldn kick on.

To finish in the top 2 we need to be looking to win all of our remaining games, that will hand Leigh 2 losses and draw them closer to us, is this possible yes, is it likely im not to sure but hopefully with directen we can realise our potential.

Would seem a bit silly if Green is prepared to shell out for a decent coach and relocate him from OZ on a longish deal if they arent also prepared to spend some money bringing a scrum half in too. They keep saying moneys available to strengthen squad so they need to use it, even if its means paying over the odds for a player in what is the most crucial position. If they arent going to bother they might as well have saved smiths wages for year and left diskin in charge.

100% we now have a chance IF we get a decent scrum half.

The Last 7 games are all that matters. As others have said, we have some good players who haven't been playing well and not forming partnerships in the backs in particular.

All the noises are that Smith is a great coach and if gets the likes of Gaskell, Clough, Sidlow, O'brien, Ferguson, Welham and Clare playing well, we can trouble teams. Those players are all super league standard. We might even have some tactics with this coach.

We need a 7 do link everything together put im sure Smith will sort this out.

He's said he doesn't know much about the players which is a good thing for me as that means he has no preconceptions about the players and they all have to perform and work hard to impress and those who had probably given up on getting in the side under Jimmy, now have an opportunity.

Well Gaskell said in the T&A that he is happy at Bradford but wants to play in SL. So, if that's what he wants he's more likely to take the offer from Hull than Leigh.
However, he also said that he was holding off until the announcement of the new coach. So I would guess that Smith is a coach players want to play under but it make take a few weeks to make up his mind either way. The addition of a good partner at 7 might do much to sway him as well.

Someone mentioned Rohan's request to meet with his first choice and reserve scrum half, love to see his face when Addy and Purtell sit down at his desk!!

Seriously, the first thing I want to see is a mean defense. He has been holding his own as a defensive coach in the NRL, so we should see an improvement there first. In my opinion, apart from a handful of notable exceptions, our defense has been crap for 3 years. Imagine a good defense last year in the middle 8 games v Fax and Widnes, both games we had a lead then imploded in the 2nd half. The least would have been a home game in the MPG, with possibly sneaking into 3rd with automatic promotion. Maguire built Wigan on defense, would be delighted if Rohan does the same. Perhaps we could become the Bradford City of the championship by winning games 1-0, but even for that we need a scrum half

Agree with the sentiments that this is a very encouraging step!!!!

I was one of the highly intelligent 16 pundits who voted for [iA.N Other[/i, so disappointed you weren't able to sign him.

Seriously though, good news it would seem for you Bulls fans.

It looks good for a big noisy crowd at Leigh now when the Bulls come across. Glad youve got the positive vibe back. Hope it goes well and you get the success But not at the Bash or sports village

Well, the greatest test of his coaching skills lies ahead. Just think what a rejuvenated Lauaki could bring to the pack!

Water bottles?

Rowan Smith is a highly technical coach who demands a lot from his players... hmm be interesting to see how that works out with Lauaki then! Is he even still training with the club? I dread to think what condition he is in with so little match time recently! I imagine first job will be to quickly assess the players with Diskin and Walkers help and try and shift some wages out on loan so he can bring in some of his own players

3/4 shrewd signings could make a world of difference to this squad, especially if he can instill some belief into the better players we already have at the club.

Neil Henry quoted in the T & A today:
“He has been very good with our younger guys in particular as a development coach.

“I’m sure that’s what Bradford will be looking for as well – the ability to bring young players through and teach them the fundamentals of rugby league.

“That includes what it means to be a professional footballer and how you prepare to be at your best when you play footie.

With both youth teams going well , he will have a good base to work with. And I think that almost half the U19side that beat Wigan are qualified to play next season .

One thing I hope is that, before he makes any major decisions about changes, the new coach takes a look at what is already happening with the juniors - and I'm sure he'll not be disappointed, since that side of the club is the one thing which is truly top class.

On a more general note, I think the new coach will give a more up-beat feel to the place and hopefully will get a response from those who have been less keen to attend games recently. A boost to the finances definitely wouldn't go amiss right now.

He doesn't strike me as the type to make changes for the sake of change. I'd imagine that he's got a long term plan that has impressed the people in charge at Bradford, hence the 3 year deal and I'd imagine that a big chunk of that is based on junior development over those 3 years.

Still, the proof of the pudding and all that. Although I'm optimistic about the future under Smith I think I'll keep the majority of my powder dry until he's actually in the dugout and doing the job

Most Bradford fans will never know how close he came to joining his home town club before signing his new deal.