That's pretty much what I said about SOL and got ripped on here for it.

Your from Warrington and as such are only entitled to an opinion when it becomes your year.

In fairness not many players playing in the middle look capable of churning out 80 minutes week in week out, let alone one at 36 years of age. It’s only natural he needs spelling more often and I have no issue with a player of such importance being wrapt in cotton wool.

In a strong Wigan side of the last few years I’d have agreed with saying he should probably retire if he needs that level of care but through the selling off and releasing of our best players these last couple of years, we’ve left ourselves in a weak position and we look pretty desperate for 2020 and in need of getting another year out of him IMO. Make no bones about it, without serious investment for 2020 this Wigan side is in real trouble.

I don't think it's as straightforward as saying "if they don't do 80 minutes they should retire". If that were the case then the playing roster across the sport would be reduced by about a third. In addition it disregards an individual players specific merits. Iconic players often have an effect on a team that goes way beyond their individual contribution. Look at the effect Ellis coming out of retirement had on Hull the other week or Radlinski for us in 2006.

In O'loughlin's case it's no secret that his influence extends way beyond his own individual playing contribution which, let's make no bones about it, is still among the best at the club. Every player, coach and even most opposition fans recognise that Wigan are a different proposition with O'loughlin than they are without him.

Given the turbulence at the club presently I think we have to tread lightly with regards to his retirement. Be careful what you wish for and all that...

I don’t see the need to worry about centre, we have other positions which take priority.

I’m happy with a back line of Hardaker, Manfredi, Gildart, Sarg & Burgess with cover from Davies, Marshall & Hankinson.

A lot will depend on what SOL & TL decide to do. If possible I’d look to offload Escare & TT.

Signing a half and a prop have to be the priority.

I love to see Joe Burgess have a full Pre-season and be coached as a centre. A backline of Hardaker, Davies, Burgess, Gildart & Manfredi would do some damage.
I do think budgie would need time to settle in but I think he’s got the size, skill and athleticism to be good in that position with some sustained coaching and practice.

I've cut out your part about our coach situation (you are right I agree that is a priority) but on the above I dont see the above as an issue.

When Williams leaves it will be with a big transfer fee. That MUST be re-invested in the squad. Let's stop pinching championship players and invest - transfer fees if required - to bolster this squad.

175k according to the RL press.

Teams wouldn’t give you much for that if players had a decent amount of time on their contracts.

I’d like us to invest that money, the Bateman money and the masses of cap space we simply must have (we must have a good chunk of room already but even more so on the back of the loss of the 2nd marquee spot and the likes of Leuluai and Lockers probably retiring) but ultimately I think a lot will go towards trying to bring down the losses we make each year.

Like Hull FC, the days of throwing money down the drain are gone, SL is becoming a dead duck I am afraid, and it can't be served with plum sauce and pancakes.

We are all fans of a game that has lost it's way. But hey, Toronto, Toulouse and New York will be the answer...

Fully agree.

Owners keep throwing money into clubs to cover losses whilst attendances fall across the sport, particularly Wigan despite the success. If Wigan fans can’t be bothered to pay to watch even when we’re winning, why would Lenagan commit to plugging six figure losses year on year.

I think you’re right,I’d be amazed if Wigan have a marquee player next season as for the fee for Williams I doubt that’ll go anywhere near investing in the side,as for the cap surely there must be space now and certainly as you say next season but again I agree with you it’ll be used to cover the losses that’ll occur

There is no space for 2019