For me, it certainly has. It far exceeded my expectations. I never even thought he'd be interested enough to apply never mind get the job.

As a fan I have a new air of confidence since his appointment. If I feel this positive I can only hope this feels are magnified in the dressing room (- although it will mean the players will have to work a whole lot harder and smarter now).

I was talking to John Kear about coaching and we got on to Tony Smith. What he did say was that not all players like Tony but they all respect him. I suspect Brian will be of the same mould. If a coach is well liked by everybody then he's probably a bit soft and probably not respected as much. I notice the conditioner at Wakefield is forever engaging in banter with the players......

Has he decided to go back home yet?

At least he's seen the team in all their glory.

Good luck fella.

He was on Radio Leeds a short time ago, James Deighton asked him what needs doing and he basically said it's a mammoth task but he wouldn't say how he would do it, that was for his thoughts only. He also said he doesn't want anyone who's not prepared for the journey to resurrect our fortunes, they can go and we can replace them. He said the hard work starts tomorrow, he will work with what he's got but maybe a couple of new faces may arrive in the next couple of weeks. That may depend of course on who if anyone leaves the club.

Spoke well imo…..realised straight away about our lack of mental toughness, said you cannot be physically strong with -out the right mental attitude. Also liked the fact when asked if results were not too important but improvements were over the coming weeks he answered he wanted both….he likes to win. Given he hadn't spoke to the players before the game today, I am looking forward to see what happens next week now.

Well I think if we can show any improvement we have the perfect team in Salford to do it against, I think they are as mentally weak as us and to be honest it has to be the perfect game for smith to start with.
I reckon draw a line under everything up to now and lets start afresh next week.

In effect the season starts again next week. A 14 week season, 7 at home, 7 away, new coach, new attitudes required. We need to see improvements week on week before the split so come august we are ready to go. It is not impossible but it is a tough ask. But it is the perfect team to start against in Salford who are on a long losing run themselves.

Brian Smith interview here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02t51wf

Brian Smith interview here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02t51wf

In an interview on sky live from the ground at 1 pm he also said that he may take a step back and use the next couple of days to take a look at whats going on he can then evaluate and take the first steps on the journey. That way he can sort out and plan a way to succeed for the staff, players and fans. He went on to say that the fans are very passionate and that he had seen that on his visits to Wakefield on the other side of the fence. Getting the place buzzing, or words to that effect.

Quote: lampyboy "In an interview on sky live from the ground at 1 pm he also said that he may take a step back and use the next couple of days to take a look at whats going on he can then evaluate and take the first steps on the journey. That way he can sort out and plan a way to succeed for the staff, players and fans. He went on to say that the fans are very passionate and that he had seen that on his visits to Wakefield on the other side of the fence. Getting the place buzzing, or words to that effect.'" www.sportinglife.com/rugby-leagu ... -wakefield

Quote: lampyboy "In an interview on sky live from the ground at 1 pm he also said that he may take a step back and use the next couple of days to take a look at whats going on he can then evaluate and take the first steps on the journey. That way he can sort out and plan a way to succeed for the staff, players and fans. He went on to say that the fans are very passionate and that he had seen that on his visits to Wakefield on the other side of the fence. Getting the place buzzing, or words to that effect.'" www.sportinglife.com/rugby-leagu ... -wakefield

When this interview was broadcast tonight, it was refreshing to hear Tony Rea say that he believes Smith can turn it round and keep us in SL next year.
Even before this interview, Phil Clarke was very generous towards us on this appointment and almost said we would stay up.
People who know the game are surprised but full of compliments about the capture of Smith.
The only negativity has come from Hemmings, which is no surprise!

Brian Smith will turn it around, given time. No doubt in my mind. He did it at Hull and Bradford - both on their knees when he arrived - and coaching in England will be a doddle after 25 years at the coalface in the NRL goldfish bowl. He's the Godfather of coaching and knows than any other coach in SL (including brother). This is an impressive first interview www.superleague.co.uk/sltv?0ER1a3LGUec

Brian Smith will turn it around, given time. No doubt in my mind. He did it at Hull and Bradford - both on their knees when he arrived - and coaching in England will be a doddle after 25 years at the coalface in the NRL goldfish bowl. He's the Godfather of coaching and knows than any other coach in SL (including brother). This is an impressive first interview www.superleague.co.uk/sltv?0ER1a3LGUec

I went to Australia for the world cup. Every fan from Aus said we picked the wrong Smith to manage and coach the squad.

Did the others apply?

He kind of got a chance in 2010 when he was assistant to McNamara for the four nations. Although that tournament didn't go too well for England to be honest so we'll leave it there.