FORUMS FORUMS






RLFANS.COM
Celebrating
25 years service to
the Rugby League
Community!
  
FORUMS > Widnes Vikings > The Denis Betts/Stronghold Conundrum - to the doubters...
39 posts in 4 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
BJ
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member643No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
May 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
May 2024Apr 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
1984.jpg
What came first Eddie - the Chicken or the egg? The Try!:1984.jpg



I posted this on TIW but it will probably get swallowed up by the apocalypse currently unfolding on there - anyway, here's what I reckon:

Ok, so - we're cracking on with Dennis Betts as head coach.

Not an announcement we were expecting but to be fair to the club, the only people who were pontificating about the position of head coach were the press and us. The fact that a press conference was called is slightly odd but ultimately the disappointment some feel is a product of their own imaginations.

There are pros and cons to Betts staying on - the pros are that we maintain continuity and there's now a clearly defined management structure in place. The cons are that results and performances have dipped somewhat in recent months.

My initial reaction was disappointment but I've had some time to think about this and actually I think many of us are being unfair. The club is currently embarking on a transitional period of epic proportions. I don't think any of us have any clue on just what is going on behind the scenes to not only change the way we watch and support the club but also to transform it into a completely professional organisation. The sheer logistics of doing that on a small turnover are mind-boggling and when you add into that the juggling of player egos and maintaining of performance that is required, it is a big, big ask.

The Thacks/Netherton/Ford/Gerrard situation was mishandled and I think the club will have learnt from that (at least I hope so) but what's happening on the pitch at the moment is directly linked to the upheaval behind the scenes. Anyone who thinks otherwise needs to wise up.

Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be annoyed when we play badly or disappointed when we lose, of course we should, but to use the appointment of a coach who had us flying earlier in the season and is currently working with a squad of players most of whom he probably wouldn't have signed, as an excuse to deny the club support is not only a churlish, knee-jerk reaction, it’s also a stupid one.

Firstly; none of us know what Betts can achieve with a full SL salary cap so us pre- empting future second-rate performances by denying the club money is totally unjustified.

The way some on here talk about the club reminds me of people grumbling about late trains or a dodgy plumber. We’re not paying for a service, we can’t get refunds, there are no guarantees - we’re investing in a project that will live or die by its members’ vision and patience – to demand instant results is ridiculous.

Secondly, as fans, we support the club and accept all the history and baggage that comes with it. We don’t, or rather we shouldn’t, hinge our support on the presence of individuals within that organisation. The idea of withholding support because to something you love because of a few missteps or the appointment of one person is just bonkers.

I’m 31; my experience of supporting Widnes has largely been about disappointment and mediocrity. The idea that we now have an opportunity, as fans, to directly influence the future of our club by bunging them 15 quid a month is fantastic. I will probably attend less than half of the games because I live in London but I know that we’re building for something better and when we get there, I will be satisfied knowing I played my part. Stronghold is a way of harnessing that enthusiasm and I think anyone who has the money and loves the club is crazy not to sign up, regardless of what’s going on right now.

We’ve a phenomenal youth set up and I have no doubt that that will be supplemented with decent SL - level players which will give us the platform on which to build a new empire in the years to come.

In the short term, I think we’ll see an improvement in performances now everyone knows who is doing what and we’ll obviously see more of those fantastic young players. Too much is going on at the club to expect miracles plus we don’t need to win the league, we just want to. Nothing wrong with that but we seem to think we have a right to sweep all before us – we don’t and we should get used to it.

To withdraw support of this idea, of this promise, of this project based on what’s happening now is myopic to say the very least.

I will no doubt be accused of donning the “rose-tinted spectacles” (is that the most over-used cliché on here, I wonder?) but I am genuinely excited about what the future holds for this club and a wobbly 6 months won’t change that.

We’re going up, enjoy it.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach3941No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 201015 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2024Jun 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



I have joined the strong hold and will never close my account, as i love my club win or lose.I love to win like any other fan and i am sure Betts hates losing, so lets get behind him.If people decide not to sign all that means is less money for players, and that could mean the difference between coming 8th or 12th in the league.The attack is the 3rd best in the Championship and if can work on defence we will be fine.Nobody knows players attitudes at the club, and if you think about it he has a no nonsense approach and got rid of 4 players. icon_thumb.gif

RankPostsTeam
International Star2016No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 201014 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2013Jun 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
52085_1326377315.jpg
[img:2z3zihp3]http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i478/theboyupstairs/crossfit_logo3.gif[/img:2z3zihp3] [quote="Saddened!":2z3zihp3]You seem suicidal because McNamara hasn't picked your precious Mickey Mac, who's better than Roby, and Darryl 'Meninga' Goulding who makes Jamie Lyon look like an amateur. [/quote:2z3zihp3]:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_52085.jpg



Dennis Betts is now a mothertrucking beast! and as our coach for the forseeable future, can now do no wrong, if anyone questions him henceforth they are commiting heresy and will be burned upon a pyre of warrington jerseys.
dare to dream.
that is all.

RankPostsTeam
International Star1743No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 201014 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2019Aug 2019LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



Quote: vikingsmurf "Dennis Betts is now a mothertrucking beast! and as our coach for the forseeable future, can now do no wrong, if anyone questions him henceforth they are commiting heresy and will be burned upon a pyre of warrington jerseys.
[sizedare to dream. [/size
that is all.'"


I dreamed a dream and 3 years went By,
We won nothing but a pucker pie,
We were there to support our Betts,
In hindsight we were stupid gets,
He stands pitch side looking all bemused,
Why O'conner ?. he could have refused,
How we ended up bottom of the league
Our players always look so fatigued.
We were outclassed and outcoached.
Noble or anderson we could have poached,
Instead us Vikings Maruaded on
Bottom of Super League singing this stupid song!!!

icon_lol.gif icon_lol.gif icon_lol.gif

( just having a little fun before personal insults start coming, my teams fighting relegation so retaliation is inbound i am sure ).

RankPostsTeam
Club Owner33944No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Mar 200421 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2016Mar 2016LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
9005.jpg
kcab sfrawdder Luck is a combination of preparation and opportunity Just to avoid confusion Starbug is the username of Steven Pike SOMEBODY SAID that it couldn’t be done But he with a chuckle replied That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried. So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin On his face. If he worried he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn’t be done, and he did it!:9005.jpg



Quote: Faxhali "I dreamed a dream and 3 years went By,quote]


Oi Dalton , somebody wants a word icon_lol.gif

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach219No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 200717 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2012Dec 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
simpsons/PDT3.gif
Widnes RLFC First official World Club Champions and ONLY European Club Champions.:simpsons/PDT3.gif



Quote: Steve Fox "Since then - no major signings announced for 2012.'"


If the club anounced the signing of an English based player now they would be in breach of the RFL rules and liable to be heavely fined.

The club however can anounce the signing of Australian and New Zealand based players as you can approach them earlier as they have a different date for when you can approach players.

And before anybody says anything about James Graham signing for the Aussies all he has done is signed a pre-contract deal and not signed an actual playing contract.

39 posts in 4 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
39 posts in 4 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


2.7470703125:5
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
England Vs Samoa Test Series
Father Ted
72
9m
Its all gone a bit quiet
BigTime
5
10m
Film game
Boss Hog
4966
Recent
IMG Score
Bent&Bon
59
Recent
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Hessle Roade
3635
Recent
Recruitment rumours and links
karetaker
3484
Recent
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
Recent
New Kit
MorePlaymake
57
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
58s
Film game
Boss Hog
4966
59s
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Hessle Roade
3635
1m
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
1m
England vs Samoa
NickyKiss
88
1m
2025 Season tickets
Eastern Wild
134
4m
IMG Score
Bent&Bon
59
4m
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40438
6m
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 2
Boss Hog
9
13m
2025 Shirt
MR FRISK
10
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Its all gone a bit quiet
BigTime
5
TODAY
England Beat Samoa To Take Test Series
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
McMeekan
Trojan Horse
13
TODAY
Englands Women Demolish The Welsh
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
Lee Kershaw
Big lads mat
9
TODAY
2025 Shirt
MR FRISK
10
TODAY
Home Shirt 2025
MattyB
1
TODAY
Uele contract extension
Khlav Kalash
5
TODAY
Squad for Match 2 v Samoa
rubber ducki
6
TODAY
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 2
Boss Hog
9
TODAY
Sky tv deals
ninearches
6
TODAY
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 1
Lord Tony Sm
24
TODAY
New Kit
MorePlaymake
57
TODAY
Memorable Games
Rugby Raider
6
TODAY
Hybrid rugby
moto748
11
TODAY
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
TODAY
England v Australia
karetaker
24
TODAY
The Aussies are coming
Bullseye
17
TODAY
England Beat Samoa Comfortably In First Test
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
England v Samoa
Captain Hook
33
TODAY
England vs Samoa
NickyKiss
88
TODAY
Trinity back on super league forum
RoyBoy29
4
TODAY
IN 2025 Maika Sivo - Expires 2028
batleyrhino
36
TODAY
Danny McGuire new head coach
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
What happens now
Start@1873
3
TODAY
Liam Kay
Wollo-Wollo-
53
TODAY
Coach announced
The Dors
14
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
260
England's Women Demolish The W..
246
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
636
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
487
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
631
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
1262
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
1482
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
1757
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
1332
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
1606
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
1958
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
1539
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
1632
Hull KR Survive Warrington Fig..
1743
Warrington Wolves Break Saints..
1965
POSTSONLINEREGISTRATIONSRECORD
19.64M +11,304 80,15414,103
LOGIN HERE
or REGISTER for more features!.

When you register you get access to the live match scores, live match chat and you can post in the discussions on the forums.
RLFANS Match Centre
There are currently no matches to display.
Matches on TV
Sat 2nd Nov
MINT2024 3 England M34-16Samoa M
WINT2024 2 ENGLAND W82-0WALES W
Sun 27th Oct
MINT2024 2 England M34-18Samoa M
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Mens Betfred Super League XXVIII ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wigan 29 768 338 430 48
Hull KR 29 731 344 387 44
Warrington 29 769 351 418 42
Leigh 29 580 442 138 33
Salford 28 556 561 -5 32
St.Helens 28 618 411 207 30
 
Catalans 27 475 427 48 30
Leeds 27 530 488 42 28
Huddersfield 27 468 658 -190 20
Castleford 27 425 735 -310 15
Hull FC 27 328 894 -566 6
LondonB 27 317 916 -599 6
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Betfred Championship 2024 ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wakefield 27 1032 275 757 52
Toulouse 26 765 388 377 37
Bradford 28 723 420 303 36
York 29 695 501 194 32
Widnes 27 561 502 59 29
Featherstone 27 634 525 109 28
 
Sheffield 26 626 526 100 28
Doncaster 26 498 619 -121 25
Halifax 26 509 650 -141 22
Batley 26 422 591 -169 22
Swinton 28 484 676 -192 20
Barrow 25 442 720 -278 19
Whitehaven 25 437 826 -389 18
Dewsbury 27 348 879 -531 4
Hunslet 1 6 10 -4 0
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
England Vs Samoa Test Series
Father Ted
72
9m
Its all gone a bit quiet
BigTime
5
10m
Film game
Boss Hog
4966
Recent
IMG Score
Bent&Bon
59
Recent
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Hessle Roade
3635
Recent
Recruitment rumours and links
karetaker
3484
Recent
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
Recent
New Kit
MorePlaymake
57
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
58s
Film game
Boss Hog
4966
59s
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Hessle Roade
3635
1m
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
1m
England vs Samoa
NickyKiss
88
1m
2025 Season tickets
Eastern Wild
134
4m
IMG Score
Bent&Bon
59
4m
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40438
6m
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 2
Boss Hog
9
13m
2025 Shirt
MR FRISK
10
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Its all gone a bit quiet
BigTime
5
TODAY
England Beat Samoa To Take Test Series
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
McMeekan
Trojan Horse
13
TODAY
Englands Women Demolish The Welsh
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
Lee Kershaw
Big lads mat
9
TODAY
2025 Shirt
MR FRISK
10
TODAY
Home Shirt 2025
MattyB
1
TODAY
Uele contract extension
Khlav Kalash
5
TODAY
Squad for Match 2 v Samoa
rubber ducki
6
TODAY
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 2
Boss Hog
9
TODAY
Sky tv deals
ninearches
6
TODAY
2024/25 out of season mind occupier 1
Lord Tony Sm
24
TODAY
New Kit
MorePlaymake
57
TODAY
Memorable Games
Rugby Raider
6
TODAY
Hybrid rugby
moto748
11
TODAY
Pre Season - 2025
The games af
40
TODAY
England v Australia
karetaker
24
TODAY
The Aussies are coming
Bullseye
17
TODAY
England Beat Samoa Comfortably In First Test
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
England v Samoa
Captain Hook
33
TODAY
England vs Samoa
NickyKiss
88
TODAY
Trinity back on super league forum
RoyBoy29
4
TODAY
IN 2025 Maika Sivo - Expires 2028
batleyrhino
36
TODAY
Danny McGuire new head coach
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
What happens now
Start@1873
3
TODAY
Liam Kay
Wollo-Wollo-
53
TODAY
Coach announced
The Dors
14
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
260
England's Women Demolish The W..
246
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
636
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
487
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
631
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
1262
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
1482
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
1757
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
1332
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
1606
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
1958
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
1539
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
1632
Hull KR Survive Warrington Fig..
1743
Warrington Wolves Break Saints..
1965


Visit the RLFANS.COM SHOP
for more merchandise!