Agree with majority of this particularly cover for HB.
Smith, Cust, Astley and Hampshire for HB gives us pretty good coverage and competition for places. Cust was ok last season and if he doesn't kick on then we have 2 alternatives that hopefully will assist in keeping him more focused and more consistent.

I've never rated him at all at FB. Always looks under pressure with any high balls.
I have him as a liability at FB. Never looks comfortable.

I think a few people are responding to this as if he was being signed as a starter. He isn't. As a squad player for extra cover, particularly in the halves, it makes a lot of sense. He's good quality with a good skillset and lots of experience. Still only 28 too.

My only concerns would be regarding his injury and that Astley still gets adequate game time. Other than that, a solid signing.

It's a small gamble that 'could' pay off. A fully fit Hampshire would no doubt bring experience and talent as cover. However he is at least two months away from being anywhere near ready to come back, three months at least until match fit.

We've already taken a gamble on Thornley over the last twelve months despite his injury record over the last couple of years, how many of you would say he's been value for money?

Whilst not an expensive gamble alone it's still money on the cap and along with Thornley (who's still not ready I believe) it's probably considerable in total.

That being said, I do believe we still have money available on the side should a quality signing in the right position become available.

I agree with that, but at the same time he's got plenty of stuff going for him at FB too (pace, hands etc). You'd be hard pressed to find a 3rd choice FB who's as competent as Hampshire.

Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing. The majority of Cas fans seem sorry to see him go. https://www.casforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34042

Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing. The majority of Cas fans seem sorry to see him go. https://www.casforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34042

Exactly. It’s like Manchester United recently signing a goalkeeper and some fans blew up and opposition fans took the mick. He was signed as third choice and will probably never play, so why get eat up? Cap space being taken up maybe, but it’ll be minimal and we clearly have room.

If we lose a winger, Miski comes in, a centre and Thornley comes in (when fit), a halfback and Field probably moves from fullback and French goes there and the same if Field goes down. There’s no saying he’ll jump above guys like Eckersley or Astley either, especially if they get first chance and do well. It’s just a nice comfort blanket to have and saves you potentially ruining a kid who is too young and has to play every week during an injury crisis.

As cover/competition for HB along with the majority of posters I think that it is a reasonable signing for the squad. When he played in the academy I thought he could become a real star but unfortunately, it was not to be. I agree as a few have said with him him being a goal kicker is a big plus for the club and for him it could be the "golden ticket" to get some 1st team action.

As a FB I'd play young Sumner before him. Much more accomplished and he is a FB.
Not knocking Hampshire just do not see him as a FB in any capacity other than 4th choice in an emergency.

My only potential reservation with his signing is that I hope young Astley doesn't see his arris and become unsettled. Hopefully it has the opposite effect and Astley strives even harder for 1st team opportunities.

In summary a reasonable and understandable move by the club that I suspect is low in cost and risk on the assumption that his current injury isn't detremental to his undoubted pace.

Probably be used as a bench player.
Cust to 9 and Hampshire in the halves.
Better than moving Field and French if there's an issue in the halves.

Peet has something in mind signing him.

No risk cover signing, along with King we've two blokes there playing for a contract, don't see any downside to this

I'm perfectly happy with this signing, capable of covering multiple spots, on a low salary. The definition of a squad player.

Cas made him an offer but it was a very low one.

Which would seem like they’ve tried to hedge their bets a little due to the circumstances. I can’t really blame them but the Cas fans shouldn’t be bashing the lad for not taking any offer at all. I doubt ours is offering him a fortune but I guess he feels like there is some unfinished here.

They were upset when we signed Zac. Remember being at Magic and old cas chap was near on crying about it. Just leave them too it think they have bigger concerns like staying up