I hear that Championship are not using squad numbers this next season - is this right? If so we will be using shirts with no names and numbered 1 to 16?

Check 3 posts back, Len. Stealth has answered your question.

I don't think our fitness will be a major concern once the season gets underway for real. We just need the new guys in, to gel as a team - and not give away too many penalties!

Does the girl with the loudest whistle in the world post on here,if so,thanks lass my ears are still ringing

i disagree with the assessment of jones who i feel did well for us and will definately only improve,i would have liked him to stay at fax.

Fair comment, maybe it's just me!? The players wearing jersey's with someone else's name on the back just didn't sit right with me. For the majority of fans I am sure this wasn't an issue as we know who the players are, but let's not forget we are trying to attract new fans who may not know Coleman from Duffy. However, in light on recent posts and the no squad number decision for 2012 I suppose it doesn't matter.

Just as a side issue, having watched the grand final video for about the 10th time I have just noticed that JD wore number 6 that day when he was number 29 all season. Admin error possibly? I'm sure the stato's out there will already have noticed though.

Not wanting to go against my "think positive" notion but , the friendlies are for testing and showing and presenting your "new team" arent they? What is also important that any fan, new or old, thinking about buying a season ticket needed to see that the money they are investing is on something other than a dream. Sorry but disappointed, no very disappointed in the match yesterday.

I can understand what you're saying Goosey, but coaches also use these games to test fringe players and find out if they are "up to it". I don't think we will see the "proper" Cougar side until the end of the playoffs. We all felt deflated too but I'd sooner us find out our weaknesses now and have time to do something about it.

Does anyone know what our exact line up was??

I didnt attend the game so I can only go on what I was told. But I think its a reality check for JD and the squad, people have been bigging us up with certain star signings but simply we got shown by a seasoned championship team that its a tough divison and a few big name players wont get ypu success in this league its hard work throughout the squad and hopefully many of those players in the squad will realise this. I know we got a few injuries and that would have not been ideal. Its a starter and rome wasnt built in a day but lessons need to be learned as that was a bloody big defeat.

RE: Clough from what you all say he was playing rugby league like Chris Clough does, Ive played with and against him many times, If JD can get his penalty concession rate down to zero a game then I think its his coin well earned, many many a good coach has not done that. I think he has some good qualities but you only have to look at lasts season grand final where we beat workington, we got him riled and he must have conceeded at least half a dozen penalties. JD will surely know this its now his job to bring the best out of him on a regular basis

Please feel free to correct me any one as i had a few shandys yesturday but i think the team was

Haythornewaite
Barnett
Lawton
J.D
Duffy
March
Coleman
Korkidas
Buster
Sherrife
Persglove
Richard jones
Sheppard

Subs:
Jon Simpson, Clough, Rawlins, Jonny Staughton, Ryan Smith

Possibly some subs missing

I do agree on Chris Clough tho. He is a brilliant player and could be one of the best signings of the season but just needs to stop giving away penalties

Where was Killer ?

Surely you wouldn't necessarily know what your strengths are until they are tested against opposition, its all relative really. A weakness against fax like fitness may have been a strength against Batley or York for example.

Just take the friendlies for what they are, Goosey; a run-out for some rusty limbs before the season begins, a chance for new guys to try and slot in, and for the fans to see a bit of rugby after a long lay-off.
Like lots of things in life, they aren't meant to be taken seriously!!!

That puts my mind at ease, thanks. It was like thinking you were getting a diamond bracelet and I got a pencil. Expected too much sorry. xxxx

I've always wanted a pencil...