Quote: Mark_P1973 "as fans we can hopefully look forward to a period of success. The foundations are there with the long terms contracts. The last time we looked like having a period of success, all our players wanted to move on and it never happened.
Its now up to the club to manage those contracts and ensure we have a production line of talent to replace players as contracts are expiring alongside some shrewd signings
next year it is likely we will now have Isa and possibly Faz (although he may o again in 26) retiring, so Junior and Walters need to be ready to be our 1st team 2nd row. I think we all agree giving Isa an extra 12 months as a squad player has been good business for next year. Then we have Keighran who is out of contract too, so do we promote Eckersley if he is ready for regular 1st team, so some decisions to be made in the next 12 months'"
I'm fairly relaxed about our succession planning for the first team. You're doing well if you keep all four outside backs fit at the same time for a decent period, so we should be able to fit Eckersley in even if Keighran deserves a new contract.
The thing I'm a bit concerned about - and how good is it to be in the position where this is one of your main problems? - is where our depth will be. I don't watch enough of the youngsters to know which, if any, will be first team ready in 12 months time, and we've given out a few big contracts recently, so I'm not sure what room we'll have to bring in more bodies at centre or second row.
