I didn't say he didn't want to come. Smith also publicly said he wanted to keep him.

You are welcome to draw your conclusions as you see fit.
I'm just telling you what all the people involved, on both sides have said.

In fairness, he's been excellent since he came here, playing in every position in the backs and all to a good standard.
Friday was just exceptional and his goal kicking was of the highest order, with a drop goal too.

Our biggest problem will be where to play him if/when we have something close to a fully fit squad.

I'm happy to admit not wanting him in place of hall but, he's more than proved the doubters wrong and deserves the credit that he's getting.

Dagger for me plays 6 regardless of who is fit.

I checked the details on this.
The deals for Fifita and Gale were done well before the new guy put his money forward. That's in public print.

His money, that the current guys negotiated, helped with new signings like the French guys (and I guess paying off the two that left - though I don't actually know that).
Of course for such a large amount he's bound to be consulted but he isn't in the driving seat yet.
Just the same as all the other sponsors. You wouldn't expect 360 accountants or Asos to have an influence in how we spend their money.
One day that will change.

I agree. He's earned that shirt.

Hall clearly has potential but let's be honest he wasn't having much of an impact, no one was. Dagger is a game changer. It's worked out well for us!

Not wanting to defend the doom mongers PT, but Dave is sponsored by DIY Kitchens, which would make me presume that they, and by they I mean Ellis, is funding his wages, which for him to leave his family behind must be a pretty penny (and money very well spent I should add)

The sponsorship doesn't pay his wages.
A sponsor gives money to the club to put their name against a players name.

The deal to get Dave on board was started way before Ellis was involved. Dave himself said it was talking to Applegarth that got him back.

The money from Ellis definitely arrived after Dave's deal.

I think there'll be a sponsor group forum soon so I'm sure that will be raised if you want more evidence than just my post.

Fifita did say in an interview it was Apelgsrth got him over with a number of conversations.

As mentioned a sponsorship of a player is just for marketing etc. Think it’s about £2000 per player for season. That’s not to say Ellis hasn’t contributed anything to the club financially of course.

Until Ellis takes over (if he does) the credit or criticism for whatever happens on the pitch goes to the current set up as it should be.

As a fan I just want the players and club to keep doing what they’re doing because I’ve found the last 3 games very entertaining and the players seem very focussed. Good on them.

What would prevent a sponsor paying more to help secure certain players ?
There wont be a cap on how much a sponsor could "invest" ?

There is if it goes in the players pocket. That's the kind of deal that gets you points docked.

To get away with that you'd have to use someone not associated with the club......and I'm sure they'd still investigate it.

Would it matter who paid as long as you stayed under the cap?

No it wouldn't.....and I think we have loads of cap room.
But that's not what Wrencat said. I was answering the bit about not affecting the cap.

Payments made direct/indirectly to a player are still subject to Tax & NI and therefore count on the salary cap, if not then there is also an element of tax evasion which would land all parties in the do do if found out

Sponsorship is just another income stream and will be included against the cap.