If we win on Saturday

Rob Powell is at heart a Community Sports Coach and is suitable for introducing the game to new neighbourhoods. He is suitable for teaching older age groups, but only those introduced late to the game, as they are sure to be malleable. He is ideal for under 21s who have never been trained by a qualified coach because they are likely to be receptive. In essence his training is ideal for those with non-Rugby League backgrounds and he has a very long term approach in mind. Here are his own wordshttp://audioboo.fm/boos/528758-london-broncos-rob-powell-says-all-new-signings-for-2012-were-picked-with-london-player-development-in-mindrl

In his former role as Assistant Coach his softly spoken approach versus that of the autocractic McDermott is likely to have made him a friend and maybe confidant to the players. With the introduction of a democratic approach and a more laissez-faire attitude and previous goodwill I have no doubt he was initially well liked by the players.

He was a convenient appointment by the outgoing Chief Executive Paul Blanchard as he had the support of the players at that time, would have taken the job on modest financial terms without introducing an additional salary, had been on the London Rugby League scene pretty much since his six week work experience period back in 2002 and saved Blanchard and David Hughes from having a more difficult negotiation with one of the other twenty three candidates, few who would have been impressed with the playing assets for 2011 and perhaps moving to London without being a London weighted salary.

The problems started for him in round six of the 2011 season when Warrington ran in 14 tries and kicked 13 goals to go within a converted try of breaking the all-time Super League record heaviest defeat. This crisis of confidence simply could not be sorted with any kind of a player and manager committee and be shaken off by discussion and he did not have the wherewithal or strength to sort things out with ten defeats and a draw in the next 11 showing that the club could not seem to get over that shocking and inept performance.

Aside from the sheer number of defeats, which would have tested the patience of any supporter, the fact that the side conceded 56 at Castleford and 52 at Wakefield did not go down well - especially in the light that neither beat Harlequins at the Stoop and thus were not exactly top class - plus the large number of home games in which winning positions were thrown away such as versus Salford and Hull. The away loss at the bottom club Crusaders was not pleasing either.

The lion's share of supporters would have been happy to see Powell depart having lost rounds 6 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27 of the 2011 season and what in hindsight now looks to be a recurring pattern of 30+ points conceded at home versus the likes of Hull KR, Bradford and Salford as well as perceived stronger teams.

Going into 2012 a widespread view was that the club would get off to a solid start and had enough quality to expect to take out at least three of Widnes, Wakefield, Salford and Castleford plus pull off a surprise win, perhaps against Huddersfield at home or Hull FC. No one expected 1 win from 8.

The reality is that there is, in simple terms, a squad imbalance and mentality/motivation problems persisting from last season. Dorn has cost the team the game at least twice this season through poor defence and errors. The club does not possess a single proven Centre of a defensive standard appropriate for Super League other than Dan Sarginson. I am not really sure how we have ended up with six wingers in Robertson, Colbon, Melling, Dixon, Caro and O'Callaghan in the 25 but no credible centres or young halfbacks. The senior Half Back combination looks ok but there is no realistic challenger for any position in the backs bar winger. For example at halfback if we take Dorn for halfback we would need to throw in a guy who last played there years ago or has only played in the under 20s or under 18s.

In the forwards, Powell's decision to allow our best British Prop from last season in Wilko to go to Wakefield whilst signing the ineligible Hickey and retaining the injury-prone Temata looks barking mad. Similarly he was unable to negotiate a contract with the fast, young and dynamic British Hooker Andy Ellis but instead ended up with two overseas veterans with little in front of them. Like McDermott before him he seems very capable of finding second rowers who attract injuries like dung does flies or whom do a disappearing act. The expensively acquired pack looks only marginally stronger than last season because the extra size has come at the expense of speed and workrate.

So I think that Powell has been profligate with David Hughes' money, inspires no support and a single win or two won't change a thing. I would need to see a series of consistent performances and wins to revise my opinion as a sequence of over a year can't easily be forgotten.

Par for this club is a 40% win record. He has delivered 20%. I do not see him as being capable of delivering the missing 20%. I do not see why he should be given further chances either. He has had his chance.

It is an embarrassment that the Chief Executive and Owner have not addressed this situation, which is taking not only numbers off the gate but enthusiasm and passion from those left. A disgrace.