Do all you posts require a reference to me? Or are you obsessed? Do I have a stalker?

Dave

Bailey and if he did, he would not be missed either.

Dave

Did you see his performance yesterday?

Are these young lads at the level of Ainscough and Tomkins? Are they even at the level of J Tomkins never mind Sam?

You are equating them as being as ready as the current players breaking into the team and as those players are both backs I'd say you will have to wait longer for the young forwards to be capable to challenging Hansen for a permanent place in the side.

To bracket Hansen with those young players is not correct IMO.

Dave

Have you ever seen Farrell/Mossop/Flanagan play on a consistant basis?

No but since when does one game prove anything? Going over the last two seasons Hansen is at least Bailey's equal. All of a sudden we have LsoW writing him off permanently. Long term I am sure Hansen will regain form and develop further. Bailey is at his peak now.

Dave

No that is why I asked the questions. Are they ready? My opinion is it is unlikely they are given their ages and experience and the positions they play.

So have you seen them play on a consistent basis and if you have, do you think they are ready to take over from Hansen in 2010?

Dave

Do remember, Hansen has been part of the 1st team since 2004, that's 5 years. 5 years since he started he's just been left out of the team and not a ripple was made in his absence. This to be says something.

I don't know why you persist with Hansen, possibly at the cost of other emerging players, wouldn't you like to see another player given a shot who could offer more?

I often watch the reserve teams, and the back row are often streets ahead of their opposition, it is clear to see they are all on the verge of breaking in to the team, Farrell looks especially impressive.

Problem is, there is only 17 players who can be selected on match day. I'd sooner see one of these lads given a spot on the bench in front of someone (Hansen) who isn't missed.

I don't think Hansen input as been missed one bit, just like McIlorum.

I'd really love to see the set up of Hock and O'Loughlin in second row, with J. Tomkins being given a good run at Loose Forward.

I know Hansen as been with us a very long time and is also classed as a 'Home-Grown' but Mossop should at least be gaining a subs bench spot! Hard call tbh.. Someone as to go, to much competion for one spot



On the backs front, it's out of Roberts and Ainsocugh and Phelps who gets dropped, if everyone's fit. Noble won't drop his 'Blue-Eyed Boys' Carmont and Richards, Gleeson is defo in the squad, so two of the three above.

Phelps? ---- Been superb pass couple of games
Ainscough? ---- Best young talent in the squad, scoring for fun
Roberts? ----- Any good points, apart from a decent back-up kicker if Richards is off form..

Exactly. This is the issue. No one is saying Hansen is rubbish, just that there are other options that we should look at, even more so considering Hansen isn't missed when he doesn't play. for me, He wouldn't even get in the 17, the other players offer more.

Team for Saints- (If Piggy is out)

Phelps/Richards (Phelps is a better FB but we need a kicker)
Richards/Roberts Gleeson Carmont
Tomkins Smith
Fielden Tommy Coley
Hock Bailey
Lockers
-------------
Prescott Feka McClorum Tomkins.

Not my line up, but one I can see Noble going for.

I do watch them on a consistant basis but I don't think they'll be given the opportunity in 2009 let alone take over from Hansen in 2010. However, on current form, Farrell and Mossop are on track to play first team and Flanagan is doing pretty well too.

The problem we have, is that we have O'Loughlin, Hock, J. Tomkins, Hansen, Mossop, Farrell and Flanagan all about to compete for the same two positions & at least two of those will drop out. On current first team form/reserve grade progress- O'Loughlin, Hock, J. Tomkins, Mossop and Farrell are/will be superior to Hansen IMO.

Agreed.