It's inevitable. Especially considering our tough start to the season.

We have lost Patten, Gleeson, Moon, Holdsworth, Smith, Sidlow, Paleaseena, Anderson and Adamson from last year's squad and replaced them with Andrew Dixon, Jack Murphy, Rhys Williams and Martin Gleeson ( who was injured for Friday night ). Last year we lost 40 - 20 to Wigan. This year we lost 42 - 0.

Looking at the above it is hardly surprising. I cannot believe some of the negativity I read on here. No, it wasn't a perfect performance. Yes, we made mistakes. But, we saw an enthusiastic, committed display. In one sense the result didn't matter. As far as fitness goes, our lightweight side had to do such a lot of tackling that after an hour fatigue set in. The stronger, bigger team displayed less fatigue so appeared to be fitter. That's the way it is.

Our first three fixtures would have looked difficult without any of the disruption we've faced. Let us try to get behind our team and support Salford like we should. I have every confidence in the new regime. Nobody in their right mind should expect instant success.

Onwards and upwards.

Normally, after a defeat on a Friday night, my weekend feels somewhat deflated. Not so this weekend. The result was secondary on Friday. I feel privelidged to have been there at the start of Dr. Koukash's "journey". The team deserved their applause at the end. You can criticise a few things that occurred on the pitch, but what's different about that? The team played as a team. They showed full commitment. Any right minded fan will fully understand given the circumstances surrounding the occasion. There is absolutely no need to bleat, None whatsoever .

Very well put,thankfully we only have a small number of "fans"with the short sighted attitude that you have described.

Having been at the press conference on Thursday and then being introduced to Dr Koukash and his good wife I can honestly say that the fans only have to be a little patient for the good times to arrive.

With regards young Murphy it was obvious what Wigan would do and virtually every kick paid off, his first match is over and done with and that was always going to be his hardest.

I don't think the Doctor will be thinking that way.

Bit of moaning in this thread (apologies forum police):

Firstly, I was happy with the effort and performance on Friday from what is pretty much a patchwork squad.

However, we have spent all pre season, including 2 friendlies, with half backs who played together for a decent part of last season for the reserves and know each others game inside out, only to rip it up and throw in a free agent who signed 2 days before the game.

As for Murphy, he will hopefully do well for us however it was clearly a case of picking him just because he has come from a bigger club in Wigan. We will hopefully lose this inferiority complex over the next few seasons.

Would it have made much difference to the score? Probably not. Might have given a couple of the younger lads a boost of knowing the coach has a bit of faith in them though.

Chances are we are likely to be similar to last years Widnes side, with hopefully a decent run towards the end of the season. Would be nice to pick up a win vs Hull KR on sky in our next home game though.

It seems no one has mentioned the controversy regarding the new Rhino balls.
Suffice to say it has been discussed for some time between the players - Best example I can find - rlHERErl - I believe McNally played for Leigh in the pre-season defeat of Wigan.

I am also not certain the different heights to the roofing and size of the stands may have on a changing wind direction causing more difficulty on dealing with a high ball.Perhaps the Barton swirl is similar to Hampden Park in Scotland,before it was altered.

All depends on how Murphy reacts.I wish him well.I'm sure he will ignore the miserabilists and like the rest of us try and get better every day.

I read a comment from a Wigan supporter last week suggesting Wigan will bombard Murphy with kicks. Perhaps it’s a weakness in his game that they knew they could exploit.

As for the Barton swirl, is it not the same for both teams?

Indeed and could that be SuperSam's excuse for his fumble?

Even taking last year into consideration the swirl appears to affect Salford more than the opposition. If anything you would think it would help Salford considering it's our home and we know about it.

or perhaps we just can't catch

On the few times we were close enough to the Wigan line to put in a really testing kick we went most of the time along the ground. We need to make use of the high ball more than we do if the weather and configuration of the ground makes for testing conditions.
One thing may be that we don't get the chance to practice at the venue so it could be a case this becomes part of the game plan more if/when the Doc gets his share and we are able to use the ground and pitch itself.

We do miss Ratchford's cloud bursting up 'n' unders , especially with the lightness of the new Rhino ball & the notable breeze .

Fages 40/20 & his Chip & collect show we have got some options but until the team beds in an takes advantage of these situations

Marc Sneyd can,and has,put kicks in which results in the ball coming back down with snow on.
Tomkins got off lightly.
While it is easy to criticise the latest development must be for a reason rlClick For Storyrl