warringtonwolves.com/clarkey-s-return-8227?

warringtonwolves.com/clarkey-s-return-8227?

Chris Baron confirmed by Widnes... which I found odd?

Its a bit odd that Baron moves from us to do whatever for a year then turns up at Widnes when we get their man!! Is it a Baron and Betts thing or is it a TS falling out thing?

Karl Fitzpatrick new role,with out seeming stupid what exactly does that role mean,is he above Agar.

Sounds like he is to be Tony Smiths PA, doing stats and perhaps seeing to welfare, as you say it's not very descriptive.

they've said previously his job(and carney's prior to him) is player welfare, he's the glue that does all the other bits, he's the one that sorts out hotels that are suitable for the team to stay in(prev example, somewhere having a bed big enough for trent waterhouse 6'5" frame) and helping players with doing courses and stuff, the story in the guardian today about chilly's plumbing company is a good example.

Bits n pieces like that, probably another BFF for the players, or the inbetween for the players and the head of rugby etc.

I was surprised when I saw Baron had moved to Widnes, he was very popular with the players and the coaching staff so I assumed he could be on his way here.

However, previously Baron (I think?) was in charge of Strength & Conditioning, reporting in to TS. Now that Strength & Conditioning role is reporting in to Ben Stirling, a Physiotherapist by trade? I assume Ben Stirling then reports in to TS as Director of Rugby. So Between the top level management team of TS, Draper & Moran they have decided that the welfare of the players physically (in terms of injury management / prevention etc.) would be better looked after by a member of staff who is focussed on injury, prevention and injury recuperation, rather than someone who is an expert in Strength & Conditioning? This really isn't my field so I've no idea if thats good or not?

Seems to follow on from what TS has said in the Warrington Guardian over the past few weeks, he obviously feels Mick Turners approach has led to some injuries, or slowed recuperation of the players. By having someone like Stirling in overall charge of Strength & Conditioning, it puts injury prevention & recuperation above improvements in player strength & fitness etc. So Clarkes role will be Strength & Conditioning, with Stirling overseeing that the players aren't being pushed to the point of injury.

Baron wouldn't want to come back to what effectively is a demotion for him, as the role isn't as big as it once was, hence Clarke coming on board who isn't as experienced.

Alffi_7 your post makes a lot of sense, it looks like people at the top have got their heads together and this is the outcome all with very little disruption, a big step up for Ben Stirling but the club must feel he is up to it.

Why is baron going to widnes strange? It's a job, he's had a year at Sydney roosters and a job has come up at widnes with Clarke coming here. He might of wanted a uk return and widnes are a good side so I don't get why people think it's strange?

I'm not sure why we've gone for Clarke when there's someone available who we've previously had on board and done a good job for us. I'm not saying Clarkey's a worse option, it would just seem more logical to bring Chris back in, but if everyone's happy then it doesn't matter too much.

Karl Fitzpatrick does seem to do a really good job at the club from what I've seen.

Fitzpatrick is doing a great job which is surprising because he was a right dirt merchant when he played.

Oh I fookin detested the fooker whenhe was playing

Thane, It's not so much I find it strange that he's ended up at widnes, of course he has to work somewhere, and widnes are a club with a good set up these days - no reason not to go there. I found it strange that he hasn't come back here, given his excellent reputation at the club and within the sport - I would of thought we would have made a big effort to bring him back. However and in answer to garyhulsefan below....



If I was baron I wouldn't have wanted to come back to warrington for what effectively is a bit of a demotion - he has his career to think about. Maybe the club did offer him the role, he just thought a more senior position at widnes was a better option for his career.

You never know, we might of had an offer for Clarke ages ago and baron might have become available after we had signed him? I'm happy with Clarke as strength and conditioner but yeah I get what you mean with Baron, he did a great job with us while here

I appear to be the only one not overjoyed by the return of Jon Clarke. Whilst a player of the club was one of the biggest drinkers in team and part of the Stockton Heath contingent along with Cullen. I didn't rate him as a player and feel he was lucky to play in super league for the time he did. Feels like sentiment is propping up the comments here. How many years experience does he have again?
Surely a few better options existed is ts looking to surround himself with another yes man?