We've lacked leaders since Ellis retired. That's one reason why we have been so poor in recent years.

As you say there doesn't seem to be any stand out candidates which is a concern.

I think Danny is the right choice most professional player we've got and a leader too. I think Brown will be 7 all season with Houghton/Smith/Balmforth sharing the hooking role.

The risk with an overseas appointment in the first season is that they already have alot on adapting life in a different country and should they get homesick it would be a disaster.

We know we are work in progress and im sure next season we will know better in 2025, Ive always thought the 2025 season will be the one where we would see of Smith has really turned the club around in an upwards direction.

Houghton will be suffice for the season.

I think people read far too much into who is captain. It's just someone to talk to the ref. If there are leaders in the squad they'll step up and take responsibility regardless of if they have a label or not.
If there are aren't any leaders in the squad then it doesn't really matter too much who is captain anyway.

imo giving the captaincy to Houghton is out of sentimentality, last season as a pro, wouldnt have been my choice, but hey ho i aint the coach!

Surprised at both the appointments. But as I often say we don't know what's said behind closed doors. More surprised with fash as might not even be in the 17 to start with . But the proof is in the pudding let's see how it goes

I'd doubt Smith will be giving out the captaincy with sentiment at thought. He will have given it because he thinks rightly or wrongly he is the best person for the job.

Smith's reputation and potential job is on the line this season, he has to make the right decisions.

Houghtons head drops like a brick in times of struggle , not someone I'd have picked personally but with the lack of other suitable candidates , I can see why he's been given the job .

Fash will be LF i reckon

Quite surprised at the captaincy decision. Houghton didn't really stand out in the role in 2021 although to be fair we had the strange three captains policy.

There isn't really a clear alternative though I guess.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ng-9042415 Think the biggest thing in this is no Houghton or Balmforth this Sunday. Guess Morgan Smith will start at 9. I'd give Tex and Brown the first half together Trueman to start running later this month.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ng-9042415 Think the biggest thing in this is no Houghton or Balmforth this Sunday. Guess Morgan Smith will start at 9. I'd give Tex and Brown the first half together Trueman to start running later this month.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9044084 All 9 new signings to play at Doncaster. Cator to get a stint at 9. The wording sounds as though he'll start. Not a fan of this

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9044084 All 9 new signings to play at Doncaster. Cator to get a stint at 9. The wording sounds as though he'll start. Not a fan of this

Guess Smith is more thought of as cover for halfbacks.

Just hope Cator isn't be thought of as the bench hooker, got to be Balmforth (get the feeling Smith isn't his biggest fan though)

Not that I've seen him play there but if Cator is moved to 9 I don't see where our threat from acting half comes from.

Defensively he'll be fine, but how quick and accurate is his passing game?

I'd prefer us to use Morgan Smith or Balmforth instead