As for Staveley, it's hard to say, he only played 4 games, but had a good spell in the championship and impressed in those 4 SL games, from what I've seen of him in those 4 games, the reserves and Academy he is well above those two. Looks to be more physically ready than either of those also, expect Wainhouse to go above both Laidlaw and Gardiner next season too.

The Director of Rugby was James Clark.
He is the person who is in charge of recruitment and retention.

He was, but there is a no way in the world that the head coach doesn't have a say in who stays and goes.

Thanks Dave, thought it was two.

Still wouldn't be surprised to see more leave and more come in between now and the start of pre season.

Can't argue with your post Dave, although for me not sure at all that Sezer is the right answer to our needs and its not like he lit up SL either, I actually think he'll be a poor signing to be honest.
As for Cust just don't see where he fits in and much like Sezer feel we've wasted 2 quota spots.
I hope I'm proved wrong but the evidence of Sezer largely being anonymous in SL games and Cust not making the field regularly doesn't bode well.
For me we were and still are in desperate need for a dynamic half with a running game and Sezer nor Cust tick that box. We saw what a difference Clifford made to a poor side and just feel we are back to scratching around for halves of no particularly quality again.

everyone in the media is aware that Sezer and Rapana were both on the back burner while our number one target was still a possibility but when he decided to stay at Leigh both were signed PDQ almost it was said to me in haste.

Pretty much agree, although to stick up for seizer he has played well this season and Wests are much better with him, think they have only won one game without him. Was good for Hudds, but inconsistent for Leeds ( Same as Croft this year).

Agreed... as mentioned already Sao is a potential one, Walker, Tuimavave, Tindall, Mitch already pretty much confirmed and Houghton retiring, Morgan Smith too looks like he will be gone.

Still think we're short on experience in the middles so see Sao staying unless there's a couple of domestic/fed trained non British players in the pipeline. Would still like a centre, half and prop but who knows if the players or cap space is available.

Unless Sao leaves, we have no quota spots.

I hope, that if Thirkell buyout is announced in the next few weeks they show some intent with a transfer fee being paid for a domestic signing

Rapana despite his age is a quality player but we desperately need a strike centre not a winger who has converted to full back lately. We have a good full back in Walker plus decent cover in reserve.

Sezer has had a good season for Wests but not the type of half back we need to compliment Abdull.

Cust is a half back who can play hooker but mostly off the bench. A specialist hooker is needed and either through injury or non selection he can't get in the Salford team.

Top class nine please, it’s like we’ve been in the tin of quality street and keep getting the orange cup, or the coffee, we just keep missing the purple whole nut.

Buying players established contracted super league players would be some statement of intent.

I don’t think the club will be ‘bought out’ anyway, I’m not sure where that’s come from Pearson has always said investment into the club and that a sale is unlikely. Leeds had to pay 300K for Croft and Ackers on top of wages there’s no way we’ll be throwing that kind of money about regardless of the investment situation but maybe a much smaller fee for a younger fringe player might happen. Someone like Eseh at Wigan is the obvious one that springs to mind. Can’t say I’ve been overly impressed but it’s hard to judge anyone in such a poor team.

Obviously only rumours, but I have heard that the takeover is in final stages, embargo's on statements from the club etc. Also, Andy Last wouldn't be coming back if AP was here, he can't stand the guy. So putting 2+2 together, and hopefully getting 4!

Looks to me that signing Sezer and Rapana were more in desperation rather than intent and if the club think signing these two will add excitement for fans and push pass sales they are more deluded than i thought.
As you say if we have Abdull then we really needed a running half with some pace.
Rapana no doubt in the past a quality wing but most on here have always said we shouldnt waste a quota space on a wing.The positional change to full back shouldnt have made any difference in the clubs thinking as even without Walker if he goes we are covered with Hardaker,Moy and Litten.
I understand we have been knocked back by several players but there is no logic to this recruitment and the only player signed where you can say sense and logic has been applied is Asiata

So you keep telling us over and over and over again

I think the Last thing is a complete red herring as all the rumours I’ve heard going round say that AP stays on as CEO or whatever for X amount of years, if there was a problem between them that would be even worse.

My guess is it that it will be AP as owner with the Myler family connection with some kind of stake. I don’t think we’ll be buying top domestic players out of their contracts either way it’s very rare even for clubs with rich owners. If there is another first 17 signing I’d be more inclined to think we’ll try and free a quota spot. You’d hope they have someone lined up before going down that route.

Yep that's the recurring story I'm getting. (but not the Andy Last bit, I don't think he's capable of hating anyone)

I don't see why Thirkhill would want just a minority stake in Hull. Also if it was just an investment I doubt it would take this long to happen.

Keep ironing the shirt and tell yourself everything will be alright next season because of the quality players Myler is bringing in.
It seems it may take some time for the reality to kick in

I have no idea of his motives or thinking, but I just can’t see a sale, I’ll happily be wrong on that though. Also if people are ‘hearing from reliable sources’ in Hull that it’s a takeover that’s enough alone to suggest it isn’t. It was only 5 months ago the exact same people were convinced AP had sold out to a Saudi Royal family bid fronted by Scotty Taylor.

Can't see it being Josh Hannay mate?
But then again, you do roll with the big dogs.

Eddie and Steve'O podcast has said our Sezer deal isn't going ahead.

Anyone know anything about this?

Oooo interesting