Quote: Bullseye "Hock offers quite a bit of “x factor” when he’s on song. He can bust the line almost at will and has a great offload. He’s tough in defence and has a bit of pace. His ability isn’t in question. Attitude wise it’s another matter. He played under a fair few coaches and never managed to sort out his ill-discipline. If Rowley manages that he’ll have done something no other coach has done before. I don’t really see why Rowley will have any more chance of doing that. Has he done this before?
It’ll be interesting to see how Hock integrates. Over the years I’ve had first-hand experience of playing in sides that are settled and then seeing that disappear when a new player comes in who rubs everyone up the wrong way. It can seriously mess things up. If a player has a bad attitude it can be really difficult to communicate with him positively when things are going wrong. Then you end up with the team in one faction and the bad apple on his own. It can often be a relief to play without him. I’m not saying that will happen with Hock but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility. Do Leigh need that? They’re the top team in the division and settled and happy. An “on song” Hock offers a lot but will he deliver or let his teammates down?
I remember a story I was told about Hock when he was a kid when he was on the point of being chucked out at Wigan before he’d played a first team game. Back then he went by the name Gareth Charnock. After being read the riot act he came in the next day and said Gareth Charnock was no more. He was Gareth Hock and was ready to make a fresh start. Since then he’s had more ups and downs than the big one at Blackpool.
If he can overcome the discipline issues he’ll be superb for you. I expect he’ll take time to settle down and Rowley will have a real challenge to get on his wavelength. He’s always a second away from losing it when provoked which makes him a real gamble if you’re investing serious money. If I were in charge I’d have plenty of clauses in the contract meaning it’s void if he blows it again.'"
That was a really good post! There is absolutely nothing to suggest he will change.
That said, I hope he has enough decency to recognise the life-line Leigh have thrown him. I don't mean this to sound condescending to Leigh but the step down may be a humbling experience. Working for a club who has to fight for every penny and playing amongst lads who do this for a fraction of what he earns may prick his conscience and make him reflect.
As for the Twitter incident Mish mentioned, I had no idea about that, not being media savvy an all. Little worried though that, once again, he failed to exercise self-control after all that's gone on!
Finally, given he is media savvy I suspect he may be casting an eye over this thread. If he is, I'd like to say welcome (to my second club, and this coming from a Saint) Leigh. They are the best supporters you will ever play for and as loyal as could be. The slate is clean. DON'T LET US DOWN!!!!
It is outrageous that we all don't agree with me and folk like Janet and David Cameron should be ashamed of themselves. Ban them. Free speech is wrong if I don't agree with it.
