Smith is increasingly hubristic. This isn't going to end well.

The fact that we were rubbish last night is blindingly obvious to us, so as a professional coach I suspect TS might have noticed it as well. The issue is therefore why he didn't mention it. And the answer seems relatively simple, he doesn't wan't to lower morale any further by slagging them off - it's self defeating. A high riding team that loses a match because they simply didn't put in the effort can be given a good verbal bollocking in the dressing room, and on TV. But the last thing that a team that has lost three consecutive matches, and are clearly lacking self belief needs, is a good kicking.

Smith has transformed us over the last 6 years, and this is his first real time of struggle. I'm not willing to be shouting for his head just yet, he deserves time and support to turn this current shambles around.

As the old saying used to go,

In Smith We Trust

Probably the most sensible post on here for quite a long time, well said WO

Who the hell mentioned 'a good kicking'. Obviously tearing strips off them in the media is counterproductive, any fool can see that, my point is trotting out the same line when we get beat (especially when it is pretty obvious where the failings were) smacks of either arrogance or naivety. And I don't think he is naive.

W/O is always the voice of reason.
I agree with you WalterW

It's a free country

He doesn't have to single anyone out, just something along the lines of (generic stuff)
Line speed was slow, reading of the play was off, the kicking game wasn't good enough, we didn't play smart enough, our players can't catch a bal for toffee.

Not, it was pretty even, we could have nicked it with a bit more luck.
Seriously who is he kidding, certainly not us.

Tell what is happening, the players are getting a hammering on twitter by fans, they don't need the abuse but they're getting it.
Maybe that stems from the frustration of the perception that the coach isn't seeing the glaringly obvious?

I apologise, my wording probably reflects my annoyance and frustration. I should have said that I think it is difficult for Smith to admit the failures / mistakes that were made on the pitch without further damaging the players morale. If anything, the complete lack of criticism should be sending warning bells that Smith is worried.

No worries, I think we are all pretty frustrated atm. I agree that it is a fine balancing act between transparency and damage limitation when dealing with the media during difficult times. I still think TS is the man for the job, it's just his personality/ego.. call it what you like, that sometimes gets my goat.

Now the Wire.

I'll be the first.

Smith, Agar and Roger Whatshisname out.

Though it pains me to say it, coming out and giving an honest public appraisal has worked well for Wane and McDermott over the last couple of years.

SAF???????

Fair point, the Hull coach also spoke on Radio 5 with refreshing honesty after the derby loss a couple of days ago. It's a tricky one, you have to balance giving a fair and honest appraisal of what has been witnessed, without harming fragile confidence.

I imagine he is quite different behind the scenes. I remember speaking to a player after Smith famously gave the players a touch line rollocking against Widnes in 2012. He didn't mince his words, that's for sure.