See post above yours regarding work permit

I'm pretty confident that Ian Lenegan would not just take a punt on anyone associated with the Wigan coaching role. If Paul Sculthorpe DOES get the job, then I'm sure he will have got it for all the right reasons.

The only thing I know about Paul Sculthorpe, really, is that he was a good player for Saints once, and is a rubbish driver. He lives near me, and he's nearly crashed into me twice whilst gassing on his mobile.

Would never get an Ausie assistant for the reasons already stated. Ian Lenegan stated at the fans forum that we only got Madge because IL managed to negotiate a change in regulations with UKBA regarding long serving assistant coaches in Ause.

My first thought was wtf but thinking about it mike gergory did a cracking job so i'd give him a shot

Plus he's not got much coaching experience so wane can mould him

the coaching dynamic will change massively with/if wane is made head coach. id have been tempted to have put an experienced bloke alongside wane but am not adverse to having a talented leader in our setup.

pro's for sculthorpe is he can walk to work, already living round the corner from orrell!

Scully certainly commands respect if nothing else - one of the best ever SL players.

We'll be able to make up a GB oldies squad out of our coaching staff soon.

It certainly would be an interesting choice, and very much out of left field. But as many have already stated Lenegan hasn't made many mistakes so far, so I'd be inclined to go with him on this one. I know in the paper it says as assistant to Wane, but it might be more of a general coaching role at Wigan, as opposed to being the number 2 straight away.

Either way the powers that be must have seen something in Sculthorpe to make them think he'll be a useful addition to the club. Just as they did by seeing the same in Rads and offering him a position at the club, and we all know how well that has worked out. I think Lenegan's already proved enough in his past record, that who ever he chooses they'll get my full backing.

Personally I want to see a continuation of what were already currently doing playing wise. But it has to evolve and change if it's to continue to be as successful as it has. You can't stand still or the game will pass you by, and by bringing in fresh blood with new ideas it's the way to go for mine.

I'm struggling a little bit with the notion of someone who has done so little coaching suddenly taking the no. 2 job at Wigan. So I agree, if he does join us, I'm sure it would be in some learning capacity.

I'm sure Scully would bring a lot to the club. But like you, I think it could be a case of to much to soon for him and Wigan were he to get the assistants role with his current lack of experience. A less senior role of just being part of the coaching team would be far more appropriate IMO.

It might be the case that Lenegan plans to go down the RU route, and have a myriad of different coaches for different area's of the game. It's not something we've seen in RL yet to my knowledge. But that's not to stay it's because it's a bad idea, but rather club's just haven't taken a punt on it yet.

if Wane has been appointed head coach and has requested Sculthorpe then i dont see a problem

If he's requested Sculthorpe as his number 2, and Sculthorpe has as little experience as we suspect, then it puts a questionmark against Wane's judgement.

That could be a problem.

I wouldn'y say that yet. You have to start somewhere don't you? Scully has been working at the Saints academy for a few years now, although in what capacity I don't know. He has lots of potential as a coach looking at the attributes he had as a player.

I suppose we can't judge him at a job he hasn't even done before. It was similar when IL took Madge on really as that was a bit out of the blue. Yes Madge has served a top drawer apprenticeship but there were no guarentees that it would work out as well as it has. Looking back it was an inspired appointment. One thing we do know is that IL will do his due dilligence at it won't be a decision taken lightly

Wane at 1 and Scully at 2, you'd not get much dissent within camp with those as your bosses.

Substitute Sculthorpes name for Farrell and most people on here would be creaming themselveds.

Ideal no 2 for me - been there, seen it and done it - would command respect from players and as far as I can see was the ultimate pro with a great work ethic.

All the above competencies fit perfrectly with the Wigan I know under Lenegan.

You don't have to be the worlds greatest coach to be a no 2 - wot u need is the ability to contribute, challenge and communicate - Scully fits the bill imo

Scully and communicate in the same sentence, he sounds like the Eagle off the muppet show.