I almost wept tears of joy.

We are in a complete mess, with a total rebuild required.... Its going to take years to sort out the last 4 seasons of Smith reign.

Does the recent goings on at the club not suggest that our issues run a bit deeper than any caused by Tony Smith?

If people think things are all of a sudden going to take a drastic upturn just because Smith has gone then I think they’re in for a hell of a surprise.

what recent goings on? Other than a coach that hasn't been interested in coaching the side for a few years?

I see nothing to suggest there is any other problem, other than a failing coach.

I don't think it's quite as bad as that, but it is pretty bleak. Looking at the squad for our last game, there's only Clark, Currie, Hill, Ratchford, maybe Ben Julilien (+throw in the injured Atkins), who are of good enough quality to play in a title challenging side.

Optimistically, Cooper, Russell, Hughes, Lineham under a new regime might start to pull their weight. There's a good player hiding inside all of them.

There's a HUGE task to cover the outgoings, and also bring in the required quality in the key positions we're currently lacking in.

Russell, Hughes...No..Just No!!

I think it's just dawning on some of the Smith diehards that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't the messiah after all.

Club is in a mess. Top to bottom. Smith walks away with hands in his pockets telling us he wasn't really bothered with coaching any more. Did he hit a wall. Did he do all he could last year and was jaded from being two stretched arms away from the double. Or is there more? A pretty brutual book could be coming out of this. Who would be writing it though?!

again, how is the club in a mess from top to bottom?

The club has an excellent structure and amazing facilities... We have a fantastic owner, who supports the club and backs us all the way. he made a mistake showing too much loyalty to Smith and sticking with him, granted... But he is doing eveything he can to make sure we get the best replacement possible.

yes the team is awful.. But thats Smiths fault. All of this mess is Smiths fault.

It’s not the ‘failing coach’ that’s offered a 36 year old, recently retired player a new deal for starters is it?

Are you offering up an internet rumour, started by one person, as evidence that the club has deeply routed problems?... or do you have anything else?

and if it is true and the new coach feels he needs to keep Gidley on another year..... its just another indication of what a pathetic mess Smith has left for him.

You would think if players are being signed or re-signed that a member of the future coaching staff is on hand to oversee matters & ensure a smooth handover & is probably in close touch with the new head coach.

Maybe the new super coach Ricardo Agarelli Who has been to Oz for a hair transplant & fake tan.

Well considering that this is a thread regarding said internet rumour, which has caused mass hysteria over the possibly of offering a recently retired 36 year old a new contract, I’d say it’s a pretty good place to start.

Have you got anything to back up the fact that there’s nothing else to be concerned about with our club and that all is good with the world now Tony Smith has gone? Or are you just speculating just like the rest of us?

im not sure that's how it works.. but carry on if you want to.

waisting money