I really don't understand that reasoning, what has his age got to do with when he received his testimonial?

As I have already stated and Kosh too, I am sure it has far more with managing his diabetes then anything else, it takes 2 to 3 years to manage it successfully and to add to that he is also a professional sportsmen adding extra pressure to managing it.

As harsh as I sound if his illness is affecting his game and therefore the team we cant be soft about it. He would no way be offered another deal on current form and I really do hope he can manage his diabetes and get back to the level of 2005 and 2006. If he can't then I feel we need to look for a new 6. Our pack has been beaten regularly this season but no one has stopped the abuse directed at Thorman and I feel Horne has been equally poor as Thorman this year.

With a good pack that we have assembled for next season and Long playing alongside him, there can be no excuses apart from shoddy tactics from the coach!!!

Just tell me what that has to do with a testimonial, when it is something recognised by the RFL after ten years service to one club, I don't see Richard Horne being any less deserving of it then Kingy was last year, or any other player who has received a testimonial in the last 30 years.

What criteria would you set for a testimonial then?

So if you'd worked for a company for X amount of years and [iwere[/i deserving of a reward would you turn it down?

Also what's to say the rules on this 10 year rule aren't going to change? There are many other things to consider such as; Tax changes, fan base lowering and his form etc etc.

No I wouldnt in honesty. But I would also want to concentrate on performing to the levels I had previosly set myself. No person can tell me that Horney performances this season have ever got near 2005 and 2006 level of performance.

I dont know if the 10 year ruling is going to change if that was the case then fair enough but I am not aware of this change. I know currently that it is tax free and knowing this current government that wont last much longer!

I am in admiration for his loyalty, passion etc for the club but just think players earn a very good salary throughout their careers when many of us me included would play free of charge for the club we love.

Dont think Testimonials are tax free anymore.

Funny thing actually that way back in the 70's my Dad said to me that no one does well in their testimonial year and since then although obviously an old wives tale, I have noticed that they don't!

Thought they were to a certain point. Not sure exactly but i thought testimonials now came under a different tax heading such as captial gains tax or generic income tax. (so would either be 8k before tax or just be added to income and payable of 40/50% tax.)

Isn't it funny that only one of those is english

Professional sport is rather different to a normal job though.

I don't seriously disagree with any of that, but we weren't talking about whether or not to offer him a new deal when his current one runs out. We were talking about getting rid of him now with a year still to run.

Really? How exactly would you live with no income?

Funny or depressing?

Scandalous i'd say