But it's not all one-way, you know.

There are several posters on here who are already using the fact that we've reached another GF semi as apparent proof that IL has got it wrong and that Nobby should stay.

Regardless of this season's general form, that is a nonsensical stance to take when you consider that we've reached four other semis under the Nobster and have flunked them all badly.

The proof of that pudding will only come if we win the GF, and even then I won't be convinced that Nobby is the man to take us forward, though I concede that if we do win it and then replace him with someone of low stature, it will be very difficult to defend IL's decision.

But as fans you can only comment on the form you see the team display. And to be honest, it's been mentioned until it's become exhausting how many basic things Wigan generally get wrong, without us even starting to discuss their lack of sophisticated tactics, their poor fitness, their poor conditioning, their lack of motivation, their mental weakness, etc.

Granted, these things haven't been on show much in the last couple of weeks, but you can't deny that there have been more matches than there haven't where this has been a problem.

To be honest, I find this end-of-season velocity business quite baffling. I refuse to accept that Nobby plans it that way, though it's undoubtedly saved his bacon in the past. But imagine how much more fun it would be if we finished in the top 4 and had a much easier run-in to the GF. Wouldn't it be great, just once, not to have to play most of the eliminator rounds away, wouldn't it be great not to be tired, not to be facing an opponent who's just had a fortnight's rest?

I, for one, don't deny that Nobby has stabilised the club and made us into contenders again. But now I want someone who's going to take us all the way.

Both sides of the argument are valid IMHO.

Noble defenders - How can we let him go if we win SL?

Good question. It would seem harsh to release him should we win SL. We must be crazy to release him - until you look at the league, the inconsistent performances, the squad (albeit this [imay[/i not be all BN's fault). Semi final appearences whilst may look impressive, what does it mean history wise? Jack all. History remembers champions not semi final teams.

Noble atttackers (if you will) - Whether we win SL or not he has to go.

Harsh but very fair IMHO. Form, league finishes and scandals (Gaz Hock) are taking their toll. Well done and we will always be grateful to you Brian for steering us to the right end of the table from staring relegation in the face but you've taken us as far as you can.

It makes for an interesting debate, certainly not where it divulges into personal insults, as has already been demonstrated.

What i would like is a list of these players that Noble has been forced to play and a reason why he was forced to play them and also id like to know who forced him to play them.

To say we have come so far in the play offs despite him not because of him is the most rediculous thing ive ever heard. It is fact that Nobles teams always hit peak form at the end of the season and this year is no different to any other year. He did it at Bradford and hes done it every year at Wigan. It is more proof that many of the Anti-Noble gang simply cannot give the guy credit where it is due.

I have been saying the same since he came to Wigan. You will never convince some on here of that fact.

Seems like they would sooner believe myths such as 'Noble has been forced to play players he had no intention of playing'

Which makes it all the more bloody frustrating that we always seem to give ourselves just too much to do because of some of the dross served up earlier in the season. I've said before we're the best of the rest after Stains and the Whinos, but we have to drag our s from 4th or 6th to prove it and are knackered by the time we get to the week before the GF.

Imagine what we might do if we could have our end of season run from a position of strength - this year that would have been top 4 given the way the play-offs works, but we couldn't even do that this season - arrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

i think noble has steadied the ship but wigan want someone to take them to another level.i dont have anything nasty or aggresive to say about him like some people.replacing noble at the end of the season feels right .ian lenigan will do what he feels is right ,he wont listen to rugby league forums to make his mind up ,he,ll make a decision based on the good of the club.

Coming on here talking Sense!

Who do you think You are?

Jukesays

You have hit the nail on the head, but I dont expect the Anti Noble brigade to give you credit for that. Some will prefer to give IL credit for everything and others will just disappear from the thread as they normally do.

is it me or do some people get worked up when they start talking about brian noble,he is like marmite when wigan fans are concerned