Why is everyone getting worried about a first game friendly. These games are exactlly what they are, a fixture that has no meaning exept for looking at players, trying things out and getting players fit.
When you think of the players we had out we've never had so much strength in depth.
So to all the moaners out there, stay away from friendlys and come at the start of the season then judge the team on league prefomances.

I haven't taken the comments people have been making as "moaning" as you put it. People were just giving their views on the game yesterday. What's wrong with that?

Mr Hicks - you moaning aout moaners?? The club survives on income doesnt it?? Was a disappointing show, presenting our team like that, sorry but when you build something up and reality kicks in, new or old investors both for the season tickets and sponsorship keep hold of their money.

I agree to some extent, but when people's expectations have been raised they are likely to have a "few words".

It was what it was - our first game, and will give JD something to use with the players.

I'm looking forward to York to see how we adapt, and Batley at our place will be very interesting.

We didn't look anywhere near upto speed but it's a fine line between working players too hard and getting them to peak fitness at the right time in the season.

I don't expect too much from this season, but would like to see the young lads develop around the more experienced players. If we manage to scrape into the playoffs I will be very happy and consider the season more than a success.

Im not moaning about moaners, im just stating that its our first friendly.

Look at all the people at Leeds that wanted Mcderomtt out then won the grand final.
Give the team chance

I think the reason why some people feel the need to make thier concerns is due to the fact that we have had hopes built up. Our own chairman is coming out with statments about beating a well established championship side by 20 points.

The side we have is outstanding and people including myself was expecting to see them play yesturday.

You say that friendly's are pointless. If your paying £10 to get in its not pointless.

Like Goosy has said yesturday was the first game and the time to attract new/existing customers to the club. However we didnt. I took a friend with me and he was contemplating getting a season ticket. He is not really a fan but he was thinking about it. But after yesturdays perforence and lack of new/big name(those that attracet fans) he has decided not too.

Hopefully this is something he will pack in.

The result means nothing its just a run out

Agreed, it's one thing making reasonable statements to try and get the punters in.

Saying things like we're going to get in Super League in 5 years (now 3) and we're going to Halifax and we're going to beat them by 20 points is just plain silly. It's sets you up for a big fall like it did yesterday, and sometimes it's just plain disrespectful to the opposition, especially coming from a club chairman, and it's only going to provide them with decent fodder for motivation.

When I heard the chairman say we will win by 20, I thought I'll believe it when I see it. We've made promising signings but I never let myself be misled by other peoples expectations.I am still very hopeful and will watch as many games as I can this season win or lose. The championship doesn't even start for 2 more months so this first friendly is very early days! I've always seen friendly games as training games not adverts.

I agree regarding the Chairman's comments, however, did anyone really believe we would beat Fax by 20 points? I for one did not and those that did maybe yesterday gave the much needed reality check. I honestly thought we'd put out a stronger squad yesterday, but as people have said it's just a friendly and gives JD time to experiment in readiness for the new season. Judge JD and the team halfway through the season and beyond, not on the first friendly game. My personal view is that a number of those players that took the field yesterday will be fringe players this season. Yesterday was a learning curve for the team, JD and hopefully our chairman!

Whether us fans believed Fawcetts comments about beating fax by 20 is irrelevant , Its how its percieved by the rest of the rugby league world . For the good work our chairman has done for the club i wish he would let our players do the taking on the pitch. A certain B***s chairman not so long ago made a lot of enemies by generally chatting s**t and bulling (no pun intended) his team up, much to the annoyance of other clubs. I dont want our club to be the laughing stock of the championship .

[iJust to say this is me with my supporters hat on ..not my club staff hat ..[/i

A few years ago there were many on this forum berating our board for lack of ambition ....now the poor buggers if they try to be optimistic, can't win either way ..

Whilst I can fully appreciate maybe the '20 point victory ' comment was maybe a tad overcooked , if Gary had underplayed our chances at Fax, there would have been much criticism of him not looking to the future or underselling the club.. While we are never being to be in such a unique situation as the 93-96 'Cougarmania' era , one of the features of that was the bold stated ambition of the board that frequently was laughed off as a dream , but got enough folk suitably enthused to draw in the crowds .

Boxing day was first game back after a hell of an off season , with a hell of a lot of changes .......bit of slack folks ???

[iJust to add to that after the lack of a driver Gary drove the supporters minibus trip to Fax , fair play to the fella
I'm fairly sure there are few club chairmen who would do that [/i

He certainly seems to be a chairman who likes to mingle with the fans, anyway. I remember (vaguely !) meeting him in the street after the Grand Final, happy to let us and Worky fans pose with the cup for a few piccies and such.
Maybe he gets a bit over-enthusiastic, but that's not really a bad thing!

Here Here..

Well said.