Quote: Winslade's Offload "Matty is a flawed gem. We know his attributes pretty well, but he is vulnerable under the high ball and doesn't have much of a passing game. Would we really want to put a small guy who is vulnerable under the high ball on the wing ? I thought TS had acknowledged that the modern winger was a much bigger species that is more than capable of defending his space - which was why we got rid of Chris Riley. And if Ratchford takes the FB role on a permanent basis, what would you do with Matty ? And wouldn't we lose the flexibility of having Ratchford with his roving remit ?
No, for me I think Russell needs to stay at FB and develop.'"
Widnes away, Matty was more midget gem, although I do like him and hope that he's going to develop next season, possibly at FB, you can't deny his heart and commitment, top drawer. Overall glad Russell is with us.
Regarding Ratchford at FB, I actually think that position highlights his attributes perfectly and provides him with the best platform to use them, particularly his running in open play, where he has more room compared to playing in the halves. I also think he's a better 'chimer' than Russell, but, then again he's got more games under his belt, so it's not a complaint from me. It must be remembered that Ratchford saw of Hodgson at the end of his Wire tenure and we all agree how good he was for us. Looking back the signing of Russell as a starting FB might have been seen as a non priority given the nature of other team changes?
