I've avoided commenting on here as it's a long time since I did contribute and I no longer live in Leigh. The last thing most people want is people who haven't even been to a game for some years telling them what should be going on. I have a feeling that this is going to turn into a Too Long, Didn't Read scenario, but you may want to bear with me.
Despite living a fair distance away for the last 30 odd years, I have always done my best to keep in touch with the goings-on at Hilton Park and the LSV. I think it's vital for a small club like Leigh to have a core of home-grown players, and what has been happening this week is making me feel much more connected with what happens next season than I expected. I don't know if John Duffy was given a brief when he was appointed, but I've watched his career with interest over the years, and he seems a canny chap. Signing so many players with Leigh connections has to be the perfect opportunity for the club to (re-) connect with the town. That doesn't mean I think there should be a "Local club for local people" scenario. The insularity that seems to afflict many inhabitants of Leigh (judging by comments on various Facebook pages) really has no place; there are a lot of people who have moved into Leigh over the past few years for reasons that, surprise, surprise, have nothing to do with the attractions of the town itself, or the rugby club. But they are there. They should be consciously tapped up as they and their offspring will be a large part of the future of the club. I've lived in Birmingham for nearly 30 years and from my own experience, I would say that a significant number of "incomers" anywhere are looking for something to identify with. Everyone has a right to chew on the bones of the past, but sometimes it gets obsessive and as other posters have pointed out, it's the future that matters.
Well, that's probably me done for the next few years on here, but I think I'll be in Leigh for the Toulouse game.

Good morning Harry,

The company I work for also has 50 employees, the chairman owns several companies in a variety of business fields but mainly steel industry, and he doesn’t ‘work’ in any of them, he obviously feels he can leave it to the experts in those industries.

You felt you needed a hands on approach in your company so be it that’s your choice, but as you say we aren’t talking about DB’s main business here, how much of an expert is he in RL or the entertainment industry?

I’ve stood on the terrace watching Leigh now for over 50 years, I’ve coached LMR under 8-10’s, and played a sheep in St Gabriel’s nativity play for 3 years running, if I won the Euro lottery tonight and bought Leigh RL would you all have confidence in me?

Joking a side, I should add at this point I don’t know DB, and I’ve said it before I’m grateful for what he has done investing in Leigh RL but I don’t necessarily agree with some of his comments/actions.

My involvement should I win , would be far less than what I understand DB’s has previously been, but I’ve no doubt he has done what he feels was the best course of action.

Myself I would like to think I would be disciplined enough to avoid day to day issues, I would of course ask questions with regards to how wisely my money was being spent and expect certain results/targets to be achieved both on and off the field.

Failure takes many different routes with people. This could end up with DB being the golden child again.

Its down to what happens on that field of play,at the end of the day.

The passion he showed with his wallet is firmly back on the fans.

The challenges ahead we can't comment on, as we've not seen this squad play.

But either way, failure or some success will still leave DB in a strong position.

His reversal of heart (as within his statement) is based upon failure/success now. As fans we need to challenge that by simply putting bums on seats and supporting the new squad and staff in place.

Lets crack on, and give him a show..

Regardless of age, what you know or experience, the challenge is set..

Lets go rip it up..

PS. I'll be in North Stand with my prawn sandwiches DB if you want a pint.. Thanks for the dispensation..

As I've pointed out before , we really have been spoilt in one way over recent (20) years , our win rate must be easily the highest of any RL club probably in the world

Sometimes that can create an expectation above what is reasonable

No pressure ( other than to avoid relegation ) and a season to enjoy , including the more than average nunber of defeats we will suffer