As of several months ago, my eyes glaze over whenever I see a story that contains the words 'Salford' and 'signing' - they've been linked to just about every player in SL since Koukash starting waving his magic cheque book around and quite frankly, it's become boring.

If they are talking to Smith, I hope they went through the proper channels; if they didn't, I hope we take them to the cleaners. If they did and he goes, I also hope we take them to the cleaners. Koukash' behaviour has been reminiscent of a bloke walking into a car showroom and announcing that he has 20 grand to spend on a car - everyone club sees him coming and adds 25% to the value of their players.

Seriously doubt that there is anything in this but if there is we would be stupid to sell at any price given whats coming next year. It would send a message out to the fans that we are back to being a feeder club which would hit ticket sales massively and probably result in our relegation next year as there just aren't any quality replacements available. He is our most creative player by a country mile and must be kept.

Not a chance.

Most of the players signed for next season are young academy lads. Most of the current squad will not be there next season. Salford are starting with a practically blank sheet. They will have added some on with the announced signings, but will be nowhere near full with their cap.

Besides, MK has gone on record saying he's going to exceed the cap, just like all the big clubs apparently. Whether Salford are close to it or not is irrelevant.

As for Tim Smith, wasn't he at Wigan with Noble when Tomkins usurped his position in the first 17? That could still play on his mind, although money talks.

Butcher

Lets forget about the cap issues, what about the non fed trained issues. Its really hard to keep up with whats going on with your club so can you tell us how many non fed trained players you have signed or are about to sign.

I hope this rumour is true we get a decent wedge and a new number7?

Non Fed:
S'au confirmed signed.
Puletua practically confirmed signed.

Not Sure:
Chase - strongly rumoured. I assume he's non-Fed
McPherson - not sure. He was one of the players given dispensation when Crusaders folded.

Exempt:
Meli classed as Fed due to the time over here.
McGoldrick, if staying, would be classed as Fed due to the time over here.

It's possible I've forgotten someone.

Just to confirm, under Dr Koukash we have dealt with every transfer (thus far) with the upmost respect. Tim Smith is a player who Brian Noble rates highly, he worked with him at Wigan and he identified him as a target for 2014. I was under the impression it was either/or with Chase and Smith, which would mean Smith would stay where he is.

It would be a pleasant suprise if we were to get both, however I would Smith would set the Dr back at least a £100k.

You appear to have mistaken us for the RFL disciplinary committee; that sounds like a statement for the defence!

Out of interest - how do you know that to be the case?

I was under the impression that McPhearson continues to get dispensation for the duration of his current contract. If he was to sign another contract he would then become Non-fed trained. I think his contract is up at the end of next season.

He signed a new deal earlier this year which will have nullified his exemption I would of thought.
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In that case, if I'm right with my assumption, he'd count as non-fed and quota.