I said similar on the fax board who were deflated that no one would want to go near them (Eastmond would be a bat #### crazy appointment though)

They're very few jobs in RL in this country. Watson was one of the most sought after coaches after his time at Salford.. He probably had his reputation burned at the Giants. But how many options are there to rebuild his reputation? There's no jobs in SL likely to come come up and those that do, there's only really Cas I could see as a realistic possibility who would want him.

If he wants to still remain in coaching, he's got a chance here to take probably one of, if not the strongest squads in the championship and have success. If he starts winning the 1895 Cups and leagues with us again, suddenly his reputation improved.

Tony Smith I can't see. He's done all be wants to in the game. Would be want to start working evenings?

As has been mentioned, Bradford is probably the most attractive job in the Championship for next season. Very good squad already put together that has a very realistic chance of topping the league. Huge budget that will be the biggest in the league and no doubt any new coach will be given assurances about bringing some of their own players in and all around them other teams budgets have been dropping as there is no longer a SL carrot being dangled. Added to that there is no pressure to achieve promotion and I know there will be pressure to win the league but in my opinion it will be less than if someone is expected to take a team to SL.

The only real downside is that its a stepping stone for a SL job rather than been able to progress by gaining promotion. That may put a cap on some of the names that might apply for the job but you never know when it comes down to money.

Until we get enough IMG points to merit a step up to SL the coach's job will always be a stepping stone for those with a bit of ambition.

Watson's not a bad shout, like Bullmania said he was the next big thing when at Salford. At Hudders they played awful rugby and have gone nowhere. It depends on what the budget is for a coach. I can see us going for someone less established unless Nobby and Greenwood do it for a year and we have a longer term target in mind.

Rumour has it EOC will end up at St Helens as an assistant. Bit of a backward step in some ways as he was assistant at Catalans but it is on his doorstep. As Wigsy says, travelling down the M62 three or four times a week can't have been fun. He's also in the box seat if Saints decide to sack Wellens who's looking increasingly Cunningham-esque in the coaching stakes.

Wow. It's impressive endurance with Greg. It's like all the spin control you see in politics, he's on our board, trying to raise expectations while simultaneously choosing his phrasing to still cast aspersions on our ability to pay for it.

Ok, instead of "huge" - I would say comfortable, with a year on year increase in proportion to our increase in sponsorship income.
Instead of "largest in league" I would definitely put in largest part-time budget in league, because there will be at least one F/T team, with all the advantages that brings.
Gotta control those expectations....

I'd suspect Greg was Alistair Campbell in disguise if he was a Keighley fan. So many angles on that post.

Wow.

I'd have thought the newly appointed Lee Briers would be next in line if Wellens gets the sack.

Can I share the thoughts and prayers to EOC at having to travel on the M62 a few times a week. He battled that minor inconvenience with dignity.

The weird thing about that is how he seemingly had little issue with working for a club in the South of France...

I'm no expert on geography, but I believe Perpignan is considerably further away than Lancashire

Presuming he didn't have to drive there from his home in England each day though..........

I think the fact we trained in the evenings is probably why it's so difficult. So if he's a young family, he's probably setting off just while they're finishing school, then getting home when they're in bed. Those years are precious and as much as we all demand loyalty, at the end of the day rugby should always come second. You don't get that time back.

I'm guessing with the increased budget and chance to get the accolade of taking us back to SL Noble will be our man.
Plus him & Greenwood did the same with half EOC's budget last year.

Noble dosent want it

Eccles or Watson would be my preferred options. Watson did a great job with a Salford side who had no right playing in Finals, but he got the best out of those players, which is what we need. Granted, it didn't work out at Huddersfield but that team was doomed from the off. Eccles, I guess is the exact same as to what I just said about Watson. However, his situation is dependent on what happens off the field at London.

Both coaches got their teams to punch above their weight.

Not saying anything is in it at all, but I wonder if Simon Grix would be interested?

Tony Smith brought him over here to Hull, but it went belly up shortly after.

Not that impressed with Grix.

Yeah Grix would be underwhelming to say the least.

Of all the names being mentioned so far not many are impressing me, Watson I don’t have a good vibe about, and if he had a SL offer he’d be off like a shot.
Dunning, been there done that.
Henderson, York’s form under him last season speaks for itself.
Mike Eccles might be a good shout but would he want to up sticks 200 miles north?
If I had my choice and money no object I would try and tempt Mr Happy, Brian Mac back to the club.
Surely he must be sick of the sunshine down under by now

Simon Grix would be a dreadful appointment. He did nothing at Halifax and we all witnessed the car crash he managed at Hull FC this season. Appointing him would be a massive backward step.

Brian McDermott would be a good appointment but I’m not sure we can lure him away from Australia.

What's Danny Ward up to?

He only signed a contract extension in June!! I'm fairly sure factors such as those were considered by him at the time. He clearly talked a good game but to walk away from a new deal with 3 years to run doesn't show him in a great light in my eyes.

Whoever comes in, let's be sure they're committed to stick around for a couple of seasons at least.

Chev Walker (Leeds ass)
Ian Watson (free agent or still in contract with Hudds?)
Danny Ward (Hull KR ass)
Rohan Smith (only just returned to Oz so seems unlikely)
Lee Radford (Northampton RU?)

Possibly may look overseas?

Yeah fair point.

Walker would be a dreadful appointment. Nothing says to me he's a good coach.

Ward of Watson top of my list.

Please NOOOOÒ

Agree with this. Expected commitment from the players that he didn't have himself.

Danny Ward would be great, but didn't he turn down a full time role at Cas, so not sure we'd be that attractive a proposition.

Wonder whether having Nobe as 'consultant' will impact on who applies - I guess perhaps an experienced head coach might want more control.

Last two coaching appointments haven't lasted long so hopefully it is 3rd time lucky!!