Think we signed Paul Sterling from an open trial, possible Leroy Mckenzie also.

If I remember rightly Marlow and about 11 other RU players went down to the trial which also saw a few travelling some from Leicester and one at least from Wales, the were all of course 'In cognito', It was open to the public and I went, Marlow went back to Beverley RU but then was signed on shortly afterwards!

As for the Rovers game its a good idea but the thought of having 5 pre season game before the last weekend of Jan. is a bit worrying. 2 will do for me potential injury wise.

Think you'll have a minimum of 3, two NL games and one against us, think you may even go for another SL team the week before the season proper.

If memory serves me right Steve Mcnamara was the result of the open trails.

And Tim W*l*y was the result of some other trials - allegedly!!

Pretty sure he came through the youth system.

mcnamara was a skirlaugh lad so think he came from the trials

Mcnamara was a very sought after youngster and had no need to have trials anywhere.

Quite. made his first team debut at 16 I think.

Didnt he join the same time as Russ Walker, both from Barrow?

Nah, we aren't in desparate need of the funds.

I doubt if any friendlies are played with funds being the main objective. Teams, especially those with a few players coming in, use them for getting players up to speed and test fitness levels.

Like other posters have stated it is a good idea to give the amateur lads a chance to test themselves against a S.L. side and with the close relationship these teams have with our clubs its a shame Hull couldn't also play them......subject to a venue being available.

There is no value in it, save a few extra quid and some PR.

And why we'd incur the expense of using the KC is beyond me, it's not like we use a glorified Car Boot as our home ground.

With that attitude i'm surprised you aren't moaning about the cost of renting it for Richard Horne's testimonial game. Is the SMC doing you a "special deal" in the honour of a player who has given your club ten years loyal service.

I would like to say it is ALL about the money, they are using the Amateurs as a CHEAP training exercise, they are getting ALL of their expenses paid for this game and the Amateurs will receive a SHARE of what is left, roughly between 380-100 per team if these lads get injured they could miss the rest of their season for what? PRESTIEGE? Dont make me laugh!!! a way for the DOBBINS to have a free friendly and get people into caravan park