assuming we have signed Jason Crookes (if not another winger)
it'll be good for competition for places with Briscoe, Lineham and Crookes
same as centre with Yeaman, Crooks and Arundel

Competition for places is exactly what we want.

Look at our squad now and what it was in previous years. We have given debuts to 17 players, with many of our youth gettin valuable game time. So much better off for future season for the likes of Kent, Green, Bowden, Nicko, Lineham, Crooks, Cunningham etc, we will finally have some solid squad depth with plenty of SL experience.

Showed more in 2 games than will sharp has in 2 years. great to seea winger playing with confidence. Hope he goes on to cement a place in the team next year but really struggling to see what crookes will bring to the team above what lineham does

remember a while back PG saying that we wanted to blood some of the younger players in but not quite the way he had been due to the injuries. so he was always gonna give guys a chance and those that did well, like Lineham, Crooks and Bowden would retain places, those that didn't, Ellis, Lynne would be dropped for someone else

if Agar was still in charge Lynne would have been playing instead of Lineham thats for sure

Very much so keep learning Tom but keep that 'couldn't give a flying who you are' attitude.

The kid has to play, he's clearly ready.

I think we need to be careful and not pin too much pressure too early on the kid. We NEED to sign another winger for next season, and that winger should be first choice for now. It's up to Tom to push him out. See if he's got the desire, consistency and determination. Competition for places is key, and you always want your youngsters chomping at the bit and having to do their best to either get in or stay in. So far Tom has been given a place, he needs to be winning it.

Briscoe had to compete with Raynor and Sing/Calderwood for a spot on the bench. We can't just give Lineham his spot so early as it will affect his development.

This. It's obvious he can play at this level and he should do. Playing him in the 20s would probably take him backwards not forwards.

I cant remember a young player make such an impression in a long time.

I would already be looking at extending his contract, I know it might be early (and he will have his bad games), but you can just tell the kid has got it.

Any new wing signing s will have their work cut out to take his place and you can see why we aren't too bothered about keeping Sharp.

Why drop him for someone (Crookes?) who has not played a single game for Hull Fc, never mind hardly any games at all this year?
Tom has his place, it's up to him to keep it, for me that's enough incentive. Dropping him could affect his development as much as anything else. Gentle will make sure these players are being developed in the right way and alternate accordingly, if needed.

As for desire,consistency and determination. If he's good enough he'll show it, if not he'll end up as a team mate of Reece Lyn.

Still think another winger (crookes) is a good idea as Tom may hit a wall.

Very similar to when Briscoe hit the first team. You could see from the first couple of games he would make it, and from the first ten games that he would be an international. You can't hide quality. I'm not saying Lineham is in the same class - it's too early to tell - but I'm 100% sure he'll be a SL regular for many years to come.



Agreed, but as others have said, we do need to sign another winger. We need competition for places and cover for injuries. And there may be a stage when his form dips and he needs a break.

On the subject of our young players playing well, I thought Nicko had his best game for us on Friday night.

A couple of ok kicks, but overall still looks out of his depth to me. Don't think he'll make it in SL.