Listened to a very interesting interview on twitter with Andrew Henderson conducted (I think) by the Bradford commentator.

It was a really good, and interesting interview. On the Bash he said he expected to have 3/4 players back - Api, Bienek, Hellewell and possibly Ackers. Which is great news. He went on to say that within 2/3 weeks Battye and Spencer would be back. He said he would then have a full strength squad with the only injury is to Grant who is out for the season, all of which is great news. He then spoke very well about the season, how important 4th place was (critical to keeping the squad full-time), and how he shook the team up. Realistic, tough and very honest.

Finally he spoke about the possible reintroduction of franchising and possible changes going forward. Again he was eloquent and honest. Very sensible about London going forward - need for ground improvements and to build crowds, and that timescale was likely to be more like 4 years rather than 1/2. realistic and sensible in my view, also said we spend way below our cap. Again realistic, sensible and pragmatic.

finally he moved on to the game and RL management. Without naming names he was pretty scathing about the top of the RL, the lack of vision, too many yes men, need for a shake up..........

Lasts about 15mins, well worth a listen

Shame about Grant

Bit worrying about the top 4 comment, so if by some disaster we did not make it we could find ourselves part time next season??

He wasn't specific, but he stressed the Club needed the Sky money, and therefore, top 4 crucial......

Can't find it. Got a link to it ?

Quote: the rugbyman "Can't find it. Got a link to it ?'" https://m.soundcloud.com/user-129831624 ... post-match

Quote: the rugbyman "Can't find it. Got a link to it ?'" https://m.soundcloud.com/user-129831624 ... post-match

Having listened to Hendo, makes me realise how fortunate we are to have this man at our club.
David Hughes is not known for making good appointments, but we are so lucky that we got Hendo. It was probably more by luck than judgement that we did.
The man may upset a few people, but that comes with the job. He is not afraid of making tough decisions. He is very approachable and speaks a lot of sense.
What we do have to do is keep him at London, because soon, some team in Super League might come calling and it would be a shame to lose him.

Totally agree

According to his partner, they have never been happier than they are now and plan to stay for as long as the club wants them.

I’m not sure its good luck as he was asst coach to the previous coach so they had the opportunity to look at him. Hughsey tends to go for the easy appointment ie TR a few times, Powell from the internal workings

My concern is that we are only talking top 4. We should only be looking at top spot with a big full time professional squad. Its ok saying we are playing under budget. The budget limit is massive as we saw by Leighs spending.

I think he is an honest & hard working coach but not fully convinced he has the full range of skills needed at the moment. I’m sure they will come. I would argue that Marshall, Sharpe and the Toulouse coach are doing a better job given the challenges they face (budget/travel respectively) . We should be hot on the heels of HKR. I accept we’ve had injuries but that comes with RL. I just hope now our winning run continues and we get to SL

This year is a real indicator of how good he is as its now his squad.

EdS,

You seem to forget that we are on tight budget, which is well under the salary cap limit, mentioned by Hendo in the interview. The stadium criteria will only be met at Ealing if the RU club have continued success.

Our biggest limit is the depth ( N.B. not commitment) of our support and the income it generates.

I returned North at Christmas so most of my cash is actually going to the away clubs.

Best news I've heard in ages!

Sure Hendo was Assistant coach, but when Joey went, we could have got another coach bringing in his own team. Andrew could have been surplus to requirements and been lost to the club.