Seems odd that everyone is announcing signings but us. Are we struggling because of our poor form this year. Last year retention was main thing which we achieved if this years departures are a shock we may have been knocked off our strategy for 2025. In the end no one is irreplaceable though but may take work and money.

If you think Lokie & Gaz O’Brien in the halves will reap rewards, you're living in cloud cuckoo land pal. That right edge was starved at the end of last season. I agree that Milford isn't the answer, but we definitely need a quality smart half along side Lokie with hopefully a good kicking game as well.

I’m not convinced that O’Brien or McNamara are the ultimate answer at halves with Lokie and either, but both are strong back-up and can do a job if needed.
Another twist on the overseas prop required angle is the Dan Norman retirement. He was maybe not a shoe in for prop in the 17 based on previous performance, but now appear to have an even bigger need for a big starting 8-10.
What we will do next, I don’t know, but I lean towards an overseas halfback, ahead of an overseas big’un, but the Norman wrinkle has made it a closer call.

A half back is more of a priority for me. Norman was a squad player more than a definite in the starting seventeen, so I think he could be replaced by a uk based player.

Have to say I’m more in line with that thinking NZ and Cokey.

A half back for me too.

On a completely different matter, I bumped into Davey Armstrong and his partner the other night and said hello to them both and welcomed them to the town. I was struck on first impressions by what an extremely pleasant and genuine young man that he appears be. Great things are anticipated from him next season and probably needed because I just get the feeling that next season will be more difficult for us than the last two.

This is why, for me, we have to get the next signing - or two - absolutely spot on. There's no reason why we cannot do so, so I am really taking an interest in the speculation - nothing at the moment - that will surround who we make a move for. The next signing announcement could just be one of the most important that the club makes and will determine whether we hold our position in the league's top 4-5 teams