I would be more gutted about this if it happened than Brough moving on.

I have been very impressed with him when I have seen him play, great ability to control the game and a wonderful kicking game to boot.

I would not be surprised to see more than 1 or 2 clubs monitoring him with interest especially given his contract status.

Without breaking the wage structure, perhaps any money saved with the Brough deal could be siphoned off and used to offer Southernwood a deal that his relative talent commands. If a number of clubs are monitoring him then it will only push his price up.

If it's true Wakey are interested in Hyde, i'd be surprised if they didn't want a fee aswell.

Don't get me wrong, Hyde is a good prospect, but Ben Hellewell is one of our best prospects at the club and is a full-back. I'd say Southernwood is potential international class, whilst Hyde is probably SL class (although as a product of our academy, I'd love him to prove me wrong)

Difficult one this. When it comes to contracts for players so young and inexperienced, do you gamble on potential or let someone else take the risk? Without him playing regularly in the first team, it's hard to say. Having never seen him play when it really matters, I'll let someone who has a better eye for talent decide that!

It is difficult, I agree, but I'd go with the first option rather than the second. It's probably even stevens in terms of investment at the end of the day, but it's much nicer to see the players you brought on as youngsters and who do make the grade prosper with you than see them prosper elsewhere.

Hmmm Maybe a little bit of PR and mind games from Mr Kear,

From what i have seen of Southernwood, i think Mr Kear has a pretty good case.

Cain Southernwood Half-back Squad number: twenty two DOB: 04-5-1992
Sam Tomkins born 23 March 1989
Kyle Eastmond 17 July 1989
Richard Myler 21/5/90

granted couple of years, however it is open age, these are going to be his contempories for his entire career, unless they go to kick and clap,

Is Cain related to Roy Southenwood? ex Cas and Wakefield.

Yes Nephew i believe.

Thanks. It's in the blood then.

A player with absolutely enormous potential and one who could go right to the very, very top..

In most of the games I've seen him play I'd say he was more of a natural stand-off than scrum-half. He has a great kicking game, great hands and can spot a gap and be through it in a split second. Like all the great half-backs he seems to have more time on the ball than anyone else and is always looking to make things happen.

The academy side were outstanding last year and were rightfully crowned champions after a superb season, Southernwood was a massive part of that and was that extra bit of class when he needed to be. It's okay being a standout in an average middle of the table team, but when you're a stand out in a champion side that marks you out as one who has a great future!

The only negative thing I'd say about Cain at the moment is his size, he's not the greatest in stature and at this stage of his development could be on the fragile side and is one who needs to be brought on steadily and looked after IMO.

No player is bigger than any club, but I hope we can keep hold of this lad and see him flourish under Kear...