Quote: Dave K. "Fair post, I can see both sides, I agree with Pearson about Gentle (and McRae) they really set up back, but also feel he uses this as an excuse for our poor performances particularly last season, in which even with our squad we should have done better.
I think If Radford doesn't progress us further next season he will have no choice but replace him, I don't think sacking him now and bringing in someone else will help as it will just set us back again. I've said before I'd like an experienced and proven assistant to be brought in.
Even if Radford was sacked tomorrow the squad is in better position than when Gentle was sacked and Radford and Tony deserve some credit for that.'"
I have real difficulty agreeing that Gentle set us back, personally. The bottom line is that we were better when Gentle left than when he took over. For me, he undeniably improved us, the only question is whether it was by enough.
I think the question of getting rid of Radford is like Gentle 2 years ago. If it's for a better coach it might (probably will) be the right thing. If we're going to get an inferior replacement then what's the point? I do find it a little hard to think that we couldn't do better, though.
Radford and Tony do deserve some credit for some of their recruitment. I'm not quite convinced that this year's squad is better than the 2013 one, though. In fact apart from the halves and 2013 being another good prop short, I personally think 2013's was better. I don't really want to get back into the whole Gentle v Radford comparison, TBH, I think I've said my piece and it's clear how I think about it. All I initially wanted to say was that I think the recruitment under Gentle was not as bad as is now painted, nor really any worse than what has come since so far.