Hodgson for me summed up the words 'man of steel'. The likes of Burgess, Morley and Peacock (rightly) take a lot of praise for being hard men of the game, but I think Hodgson was tough on a completely different level. The way he would get smashed down to the floor and just get back up was inspiring.

It is such a shame that he seemed to get a lot of unfair criticism from fans this year, we will miss him a lot more than people realise.

Which are the fans who have criticised him ? I wouldn't take too much notice of the non representative bunch on here. Maybe Brett felt he had a justified grievance ,nobody really knows but the people involved.

I don't see much criticism of him on this board. I think one or two members have misinterpreted some comments and this includes some of mine. May I make myself very clear ... I think he was a great player and a superb bloke. One of the best readers of a game we've had over the years. But I did often fear for his safety.

To be honest I haven't really seen any criticism on here, more from a few on the terraces and social media.

Whilst we don't represent anyone, I think that we are at least representative either way I don't recall much anti Brett stuff

When i say " non representative" ,i am referring to the small number who have commented on this article on this forum compared to the actual fan base.

Here's a question, if Brett had played in the final, what difference does anyone think he would have made?

I don't normally get involved in rumour and speculation but back in July my brother told me about Hodgson moving on at the end of the year and that Michael Monaghan had signed another year, Carvell and Morley both leaving. Some of them were no shock but I said that can't be right because Hodgson had another year to go and I didn't think we would give MM another year given injuries and lack of form at the time. Allegedly Hodgson had been giving it the big I am suggesting he needed to play if Warrington were to perform. Some of what he told me back then was true.

Great player in his day but Old Father Time had finally caught up with him...He's lost the pace he had which was exemplified at Salford when a break was made from a long way out and Hodgson gave chase but was pushed out of the way by Ben Currie who flew past him...He seems to be like an old time boxer who has been battered for 8 rounds and referee stops the fight. He pleads to be given one more round convinced that he will knock his opponent out in the next round...Brett's had a long and distinguished career but should now be honest with himself and retire gracefully. The smack in the chops vs Widnes didn't help.

Four pages in and no-one knows where or what he is doing next season. I loved him when he first joined and the way he just arrived on time to complement Briers or Myler in attack. He was some player with the boot too.

Agreed.
Incredible player and yes - the best full back we've had since Hesford and Whitehead IMO and I'm not sure then who would come out on top.

Derek Whitehead had the best side step I have ever seen!

I can understand not extending his contract given his age and he was probably on a good deal, but leaving him out of the last couple of games surely was because he was injured and not fit, no? If he was fit and able to play then I would be amazed if we left him out for games as big as these. I was disappointed when I saw he wasn't playing at OT but thought it was unlucky for him to miss out through injury...if he was just left out then thats a huge call and I can see why he would be annoyed and feel we were making a mistake.

I thought ratchford had earned his spot for them last fews games of the season...

This.