Totally agree with you on Gaskell!!. The problem he's having is he doesnt get along with Mike Rush and no matter how good he plays in the under 20's, Rush will never pick him due to his dislikeing of him. By all acounts, it goes back to his junior days in the under 15's when Lee said something out of turn to one of the junior coaches. At the moment 7 super league clubs have spoken to Lee's agent and all 7 have offered him more than his current contract at saints, wigan offering him the most. I darnt tell you where i got this information from.....his dad would kill me!!!

I would be made up with smith and gaskell. Our side will have an increadibly british look about it. There would only be PAAT and Eric who would be overseas players in our 17.

Gaskell reminds me of Cliff Hill a Wigan standoff of the late 60s who was a really classy runner,I think Gaskell would blossom at Wigan.
Smith to me seems more of a forwards halfback,maybe thats why Shaun Wane as a leaning towards him.

What was the reason you moved Smith on in the first place?

What was the reason you moved Smith on in the first place?

Is gaskell out of contract at saints?

I like both players and think that both have their qualities. Gaskell is also a lot younger than Smith and that should be remembered when comparing both players. Gaskell has a great all round game and for me is a better half back than Lomax or Hohia and I cant believe he is not in the Saints team. From what I believe we are signing Smith anyway and Gaskell is not an option. I have always liked Smith and couldnt believe he wasnt given more of a chance at Saints. He has a good all round game and I think in a good team with a good experienced stand off, Finch please, then he will go very well. I really like the idea of a good young English half back alongside an experienced import to provide stability and continuity going forward.

I know for a fact that wigan have approached him, I'm not telling you who told me that either coz his dad would kill me as well

No, he's next season then off contract. I honestly can't see us letting him go for nothing.

I think he will give a season under Brown and see what happens.

He's got 2 years left on his contract after this season. He signed a 3 year extension last year, but what do contracts mean these days?

Haha good old Al Gaskell!!!