I usually sleep on a result and wake up the next day somewhat over it, but this one has certainly stuck.

The one and only positive I can attempt to spin from yesterdays embarrassment is, as alluded to in the shopping list thread, even players under contract may not be safe. Hopefully that is true, as it’ll certainly speed up the transition process, but with it I have my doubts over one sticking point which is of course, money.

For me, this club simply cannot afford to have another year of mediocrity, and to be honest, that is been generous especially over the last couple. And whilst we run on a reduced budget we are certainly running the risk of this been a bigger probability. Ultimately, this lies with the man at the top. He has two options.

He fully backs Tony, giving him full cap to work with to give us every opportunity to avoid another season of disappointment.

Or he realises he has taken the club as far as he can on his own, and accept investment from outside the club.

Failing both, he should be looking to sell up. Call it harsh, but I truly fear where this club could be heading. It’s toxic and quite frankly disgusting they have allowed our great club to be in the state it currently is.

Don't think Smith was particularly bothered about rushing out to sign anyone mid season. The signings that Hodgson made last season hardly inspired us to greater things....

Do think Pearson needs to tell the fans if we are spending or planning on spending full cap next season

The recruitment so far suggests we will not be.

Pearson has been pretty honest about finances in the past so I wouldn't be surprised if he acknowledges this.

The danger is how will it effect pass sales.

Sixty-four missed tackles. Only Cam Scott didn't miss at least one.

Satae 8 carries for 47 metres, Fash 5 for 23 metres, Brown 6 for 28 metres.

I'd like to see the stats for metres after contact.

Maybe the reason he is reluctant to sell is that the club is his source of income rather than investment? Just a hypothesis as to why allegedly offers of investment in exchange for control have been knocked back. Obviously we can't see director remuneration in our abridged accounts but a thought?

Annoyingly the SL website doesn't post them. The only decent carry I can remember is Staveleys

I mentioned this at the beginning of the season and got a threatening pm from admin. It's clear to me that Pearson draws his salary from the club, what other source of income does he have? To me it's a concern.

The missed tackles in general and metres from our forwards is a disgrace, week after week.

Savelio was the only player to make over 100M (112)

Think that’s a pretty fair assessment and one that many fans will no doubt share.
I’d say with the general apathy that was within not only the passing fanbase but the hardcore fanbase at the end of last season, the way this season had once again finished will only increase that again.

As you say the club can ill afford another mediocre or transitional season as another season like this will likely drive fans away. The club will no doubt ask fans to be patient but in all honesty it’s a commodity the club have almost used up and not sure how many fans could stomach another rallying call asking for patience.

What really irks me about yesterday is the fact that we were hammered in the last home game of the previous season and yet again the last home game the players & club once again serve up another pitiful and embarrassing display to send the fans in to the off season on.

I’m not sure what to think moving forward as currently with the signings announced there doesn’t appear to be a great deal of hope on the horizon.

Up until last season we continually paid max cap and used the legal loop holes to pay over the cap so I think it’s unlikely Pearson is taking a profit from the club. Wouldn’t that also show in the end of year financial statement.

Think the reality is we’ve poorly managed the cap and it’s been exasperated by Covid. We are having to deal with it now and I’d realistically say 2025 is the first year we might be in a position to compete

Also re Pearson selling up, fans tell him to and we’ll have no club as not one person wants to buy it.

Doesn't Pearson own a few businesses, certainly has the Tribal pub, any others?

Marina one shut and Kingswood shutting down?

Think this is more likely. We handed out long contracts after the cup winning seasons and were too sentimental. We've hardly had any player turnover compared to most teams since 2018. 2020 was probably out largest influx of new players.