rlhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/21759160rl

Interesting given the current banter on here about Tony's contract, the squad age, youth development etc.

So either Tony is anticipating a trophy-less season and getting his excuses in early, or he is genuinely enjoying the prospect of building the new dynasty at Warrington. If, as I suspect and hope, it's the latter I'd have thought that answers any speculation about him walking away early.

Depends on what he was asked and lead that way or if he just came out with it making it sound a litlle bit like an excuse.

Either way long term planning keeps us in the mix for trophies.

I think he knows that some are starting to criticise the lack of new signings now that some key senior players are suffering injuries, and making times harder for the team. He’s just trying to show his faith in the talent that he knows he has coming through. Whether this will pacify fans if Wire falls short in the way of trophy expectations, only time will tell. I would suggest keeping the faith for now and waiting till much later in the season.

No, this is nothing new. He has always said that the development of players is what motivates him, not winning trophies. He is not saying this now in reaction to anything going on this season - he has said it before.

Nothing compared to the criticism he had got if we signed Matty Smith and Blake Green.

Maybe, there were plenty who had the same, wrong opinion as you here. I was one with big doubts but I’m changing my mind now. Maybe you would have too?

Agreed, I don't think this is anything unusual. He says he gets more satisfaction about watching players develop than the trophy winning days. This is pretty usual for a coach I would have thought....the trophy winning days are more about the players than the coach, I'm sure he enjoys the celebration but its not about a one off day for a coach as much as it is for the players.

Its like a parent would say they have more satisfaction watching their child grow up and be successful than they get out of turning up for graduation day.

I couldn’t care less if United sign Steve Davis, and to whether or not they were, Wigan-standard. Maybe not, but many have signed with same query hanging over their prospects, and turned into very good Wigan-standard players. Has it never been done at Wire?

I don’t think I would favour a coach that wins nothing in the way of honours for the club, if the only thing his CV could say was; he brought on some good players, which in all probability would end up elsewhere in their search for career success, and if a child grew to have a successful life, as you say surely its graduation day would just one of many happy events to give thanks for. Like being a top rugby league coach in charge of a side that had won many trophies, and coached many a young prospect to greatness. Wouldn’t it be better to do both than just one?

Eloquently put Sal, but, drivel of course and you know it.

I don't know whether you are a proud 'mum' yourself, but, part of a child's success can be measured by a series of "graduation" day's obviously against a background of expectation and opportunity. (After all, we can't all be as wise as you, as irritating as Rogues, as good looking as Dita's girls, or as charming as Uncle Rico). A life based on, 'Rosie wasn't the prom queen, but, she had a good personality' isn't very fulfilling when applied to every aspect of that child's upbringing. JD Rocket (where is he by the way?) is no Professor Brian Cox, but, he's got a GCSE in woodwork and knows what colour primrose is....

Whilst I initially liked the drift of your proud father Tony Smith analogy, professional sport is a results driven business. We've had a couple of defeats and just look at the Tony Smith Out thread. Taking Association Football as an example, how much longer will the board at Arsenal ignore the pleas of an ever growing band of supporters that don't trust Arsene any longer?

I would say yes, Ben Westwood average centre/winger, now in my opinion world class second rower !!!.

Ages just like the Everton board does with David Moyes.

David Moyes? 3 popes & no cups

Everton and Arsenal are working to vastly different budgets and of course expectations as you are aware and for Moyes to finish 4th/5th it's a bit of a result. As for the Gooners I think that they are getting fed up with having money in the bank but an empty trophy cabinet.

Both manager's could walk away for trophey less seasons year on year but for different reasons