Thing is I don't feel it is fully down to economics. Much like Kay last year, if he had been given a decent run of games over the last year or so he may have forgone greater financial reward to compete at a higher level. If, as a club we continue to overlook club trained players and expect them to be SL standard without giving them sufficient exposure then Walshaw certainly won't be the last to leave.

I think Walshaw will do well under Lowes if he gets a run at second row in what looks like a very big powerful Bradford pack.

I just hope we have now got enough strength in depth and have improved our pack sufficiently enough for next season to compete more consistently with the 'bigger' teams next season.

Not privvy to details' but didn't Kay's agent have a big influence on him going to Leigh, which could also have a bearing on Walshaw to Bradford.

They were offered more money so no doubt they did.

Meh, when Pitts left he was a better player and he hasn't pulled up any trees. Good luck to the lad though.

Which is my point, its well documented we are just about the poorest club financially in SL and had we had the finances I'm sure the club would have kept Walshaw and the likes of Kay and took it out of their agents' hands, Webbo's problem is having to juggle with what he's got and what he can afford to get, as has been stated on here by the club chairman and whether the decisions' he makes are popular or not they are his to make and as fans' we all want the local talent to succeed unfortunately the coach cannot afford such sentiments'.

I’ve no problem with the club not offering more than what they think a player is worth (although what they paid to get Siejka over here could’ve gone towards offering something like whatt Kay (or his agent) was asking, but my point is if the juniors felt they are likely to get a fair shot at first team action rather than have a 36 years effectively come and take their place they may have been willing to accept the lower offer to stay and play at a higher level.

I'm really sorry to hear this although speculation has been present for a while.

I felt Sonny Bill made a marker this season and did more than what was asked of him. Some of his performances were exceptional IMHO.

As people say if we can't keep the cheaper, up and coming players like Walshaw and Kaye then we need to think exactly what is our strategy? Of course, Webster and Carter know best and genuinely they do. What they've done over the last year has been nothing short of superb and I am forever grateful.

I suppose we all have our own opinions. If it was me I would want to develop a team to stay together for the long term. So investing in cheaper proven prospects like Walshaw would be where I would be looking. Certainly as a contributor to 1873 from day 1 then I'd also like to see some home grown players serving long term.

In spite of this I'm only speaking as an outsider who knows nothing of the dealings and economics of the situation.

At the end of the day I'm sad to see Walshaw leave but trust that we are in good hands for the future.

It's a shame, but only time will tell.

It's up to Luke now, even the current Bradford is still a club you can make your name at - I have a feeling this one may come back to haunt us.

How the heck did Kear fail him. Although I agree with the general sentiment expressed, no way was Walshaw ready for SL in any sense in most peoples opinions when Kear was in charge. It's only this season he's shown some real promise.

It's a mistake letting him go in our opinions so we agree on that but let's not milk it.

As i put on another thread very disappointed in this. The lad seems to have precious few chances in comparison to others to show his obvious talents and i too think this will turn out to be a major error.

There seems a lack of desire to develop our young lads once they leave the under 19's which is surely the point of them being there in the first place.

Our strategy is simple, instead of spreading the money around the coach has gone for the want of a better expression quality over quantity, he's openly said that the money he has at his disposal has gone on better players' and has gone with a smaller more experienced squad than a larger inexperienced one, is he right who knows I don't only time will tell. Lets hope that if we get a lot of injuries' he's got some mates' who are SL coaches' to help us out otherwise he might regret not finding the extra money to keep Walshaw.