Thats what they need though, it's not just about the players the have signed, its how they have done it which impresses me.

All club's needs are different. I feel Wigan have now passed the point where short-term fixes are the answer. We suddenly have a very young squad, and quite a sizable one.

I've never believed in this 'Wigan lads should come first' argument, or even that 'youth is everything'. But I do think that with so many kids about to break into the first team ranks, to sign yet another bunch of oldies would have been a backward step in that the young guns would feel they were beng sidelined again.

I can see merit in signing Long, given that seeing Sam partnered by an experiened half would have done him good, but Long has a lot of baggage where many Wigan fans are concerned and is yet another of the game's bad boys, so there are arguments against.

As for the timing. Yes, Hull have indeed done a good job in getting it all tied up early. But I don't think that's the be-all and end-all, especially if those new players go on to disappoint.

Next year, I want to see a coach who will implement abit of flair into the team - a bit like Saints have had for the last few years. Not scared to pass the ball around and try a few things differently instead of 5 drives and a kick straight down the full backs throat.

In fairness, the last 2 games have seen us try a few different things - and maybe its because Sam has had a major role in both games instead of a bit part one.

Id give Bailey another year, just because weve lost Hock for a few years.

Phelps

Richards
Carmont
Gleeson
Roberts

New SO
S Tomkins

Fielden
Tommy
New Prop

Bailey
New SR

O'Loughlin

Subs

Feka
McIlorum
Prescott
J Tomkins

Something like that would be a big improvement for me, as long as the signings are quality. In an ideal world Id like to rid Fielden and get 2 different props in all together but chances of that are very slim?

The new Second rower has to be like effective in defence and attack - like Joynt was at Saints - a leader around the park wouldnt go a miss either.

Surely Mossop will be first choice to take Hocks place.

All depends how he returns at the back end of this season for me.

Putting my feelings aside, If bailey does stay I don't believe another secondrower will be brought in, I say this because it wouldn't leave room for any of the academy lads. However if Bailey does go I think somebody will be brought in, Frank Pritchard would be my choice.
Same in regards to Coley, if he stays I don't believe we'll bring in another Prop purely because then we'll have to many in that Position. For me they key to replacing both Coley and Bailey is with players who are of better quality and contribute further to the team, whether there British or Aussies doesn't really matter although I would prefer them to be British.

Looking at who the other teams have signed for next year and whet we have at the min (depends on who we bring in). We could be in for another disappointing 20010.

What quality is there that Wigan can get?

My god, you are looking ahead

About the same time Howells ban will be served

I think with the loss of Gareth Hock and the likely loss of Phil Bailey we may still need a new second row forward.

Joel Tomkins has not been as impressive in the second row.
Harrison Hansen has been a strong player but you would still hope for more improvement.
Lee Mossop is ready for super league after his performances at Huddersfield.

You would think it would be another year before we see Liam Farrell.

Maybe give Phil Bailey another year if he keeps this form up just to steady the development of Liam Farrell (Maybe a years loan) and then after the year we can see if he is ready for super league.

the loss of hock means that we def need a new back rower.
for all baileys strengths, they are the same as hansen, who outplayed him last year. the quota spot he takes, and his and gaz's wages mean that we could promote mossop and farrell, and also bring in an experienced, aggresive back rower in the faz mould.

we can do better than bails and also give the youngsters some opportunities. our back row options would then be

lockers, joel - LF
hansen, mossop, farrell, flannagan, QUOTA SPOT - SR

Sika Manu.