And if this 'player power' is a real thing, then it's another big reason to stop paying to watch these jokers for a long while ahead. Thieving wages of supporters while picking and choosing when to play because they don't like their boss. If I chose which shifts to be productive on I'd get the sack. But that's OK because you're a sportsman not a normal human being? I also refuse to fund a joke outfit that has consistently wasted our money and good faith for years. Until the whole thing changes, root and branch, the rot will keep coming back. Enough is enough for me. And before anyone starts, I'm 36. I lived through Plange, Anderson, Dorahay, and I've had my fill.

It just so happens that the sport as whole in this country is laughable at this present time, too. Sky wanting to keep hold for the lowest price and bare minimum of coverage, while the pundits big it up every week like it's WWF wrasslin'. Friday's game was gash but they made it sound like it was a playoff masterpiece from both sides. Then the BBC don't give a flying one and why should they? Then there's the ongoing merry go round joke of disciplinary and rule changing, the quality of officiating declining seemingly season on season (or week on week?!) Rarely do I remember the decisions being a talking point this regularly in days of yore. There's a reason we all cannot stand Russell Smith to this day. Nowadays he'd be one awful ref among many, making mistakes (backed up by a pointless/flawed video ref system) on a weekly basis.

So it's the perfect storm for me to walk away for a while. In some ways it's been a coercive relationship for years, the club promises so much to us and we keep being hoodwinked or even gaslit. Bad results? Blame the coach. Failing to win the big ones? Blame the players. And now we've, of late even been blamed ourselves by the outgoing coach because we dare express our dissatisfaction. Does the buck ever stop with the board? Nah. Just keep giving us yer money.

I'm out for the time being. Time for something more fulfilling.

Ironic I've been gone for a month and this is my first post back haha. I also hope the coercive angle doesn't offend anyone. Not a slight/joke about other more serious issues. Just a lens that helps me see what the fans and town are going through.

Agree with Fez, we don't know if they gave up. We don't know if it was a bullying toxic environment where you were either in or out of the clique with management. We don't know if he scolded and embarrassed players infront of their peers or had favourites.

We also dont know if the players are the real d1cks and Powell stood no chance.

What I do know is Powell was happy when it was good, moaned about the fans being toxic when it wasn't and told us that they were fractions off and had trained really well.

I have no sympathy for Powell tbh, it's a results business, he knows that. Part of getting that result is keeping a happy team. That's true in business and sport. Powell took a hatchet last year and built his team for this year but his win % speaks for itself.

Clark, Dufty and Vaughan were on my flight last Thursday. They went for 4 nights.....i spoke to Vaughan in the bar, said they were hell bent on getting their season going again yesterday!! Nice one Vaughany lad.....

Must have knocked back a few Harvey’s Bristol Cream before saying that.

See a fan, tell them what they want to hear!!

He wasnt gunna say...were fuming how Maguire was treated so were guna throw the gaffer under the bus.....

Meh, not like Vaughn hasn't put the effort in this season. I don't begrudge that individual a few beers. Tough ol sport

Thought he was going to do the whole 80 on Sunday, some prop’s barely do 10.

Yep ... I was in Amnesia, at the foam party at 4.00 am ... all three were looking forward to playing at Wakefield. They spoke well of Powell & loved the fans & often put things on the forum.

Im probably being a bit harsh on Vaughan too be fair as he was the only player i spoke to.....
I remember thinking though, 'bit wrong this'. Been stinking the house out collectively for weeks and then i see them going on a micky up for 5 days....a night out, fair enough, we all need to let off steam after a hard few weeks, but jesus!!

Powell’s leaving do

I think you are a bit harsh. If there was no formal Wire training why wouldn't you get your family away for 4 nights in a nice place. You can still run/swim/visit the weights room. Why would you suggest they are on a "micky" ... whatever that is?

How true it is I’m not sure, but I heard the players were all due to go on a club organised team bonding trip away that subsequently the club cancelled. Some of the players made use of the time off to get away themselves.

Mickey is the swear word filter for the slang word for urine.

As is "the players really took the mickey with that performance at Wakefield"

That’s correct.

Given how things have been I would guess it was Powell that had it cancelled.