I never park near the stadium - always a nightmare getting out. Best idea is parking at one of the outer Tube stations and taking the tube in. Can be cheaper as well.

Yeah, there's a risk of knee-jerk, I suppose, but yesterday was a sobering reminder of how big the gap to the top teams can be when they use that 'extra gear' they seem to have. We get these reminders at least a couple of times a season, it seems, and it is never pleasant. Even less so on that stage.

I definitely don't want another revolving door recruitment cycle. But there are some glaring weaknesses in the squad which were reflected consistently throughout the season as well as yesterday. Tbh, I don't think Leeds represent a sensible yardstick in the short or medium term. It'll be interesting to hear Jamie Peacock's take on it - whether you have to aim for the top, or be more realistic. He seems up for the challenge, but after so much success, getting his head around chasing 7th or 8th might take some adjustment.

Last year's supermarket sweep approach to recruitment, which ended up carrying on long into the season, inevitably led to some imbalance. Lots of loose forwards for example. I still think there's something to build on, but I think you are right and it needs to be 4 or 5 rather than just 2 or 3.

Minns is promising, rather than proven. Thornley is decent but has had his injury problems. Clarkson seems like a solid pro, but won't exactly add a lot of power to the backrow. We desperately need some go forward from our pack.

Serious question then, how much input does Chester have into recruitment? And should Mike Smith take a lot of the heat? From an outsider looking in, it seems to me that each year MS takes a month long paid holiday to Australia and comes homes with several players he has lined up and passes them to Chester. Now granted he has found some gems over the years, Dobson for example, but when it doesnt go well he should be equally responsible?

Maybe I'm wrong and there is more to it? I just think any manager job is more difficult when decisions about who signs for the club are made by someone else? I get the feeling LR had more say (I may be wrong about that too).

But plenty of flack flying around about the team, certain players and some towards Chester, and yet no mention of MS who it seems from the outside is primarily responsible for the squad they have built?

It's a reasonable question, but not one that I can answer. My impression is that Smith is more a contracts man than an identifier of talent, so he wouldn't be somebody I'd immediately think to apportion blame or credit to, in this regard.

I think the 'what next?' question that followed Morgan's departure was never answered convincingly. First there was the focus on 'potential', then later on grizzled old pros who wouldn't bullied, then Chester cleared then decks again.
If we're to move on and up, I think we need a more coherent and consistent strategy - philosophy even. Perhaps Peacock can provide that vision.

It hasn't been all bad these last 4 years by any stretch, and there were bad days under Morgan, but it has felt a bit... I'm struggling for the right word. We've kind of drifted, I guess.

I think Peacock is a very clever addition to the club, I'm surprised Leeds have let this happen.

He will bring a winning mentality to the club, I wouldn't be surprised to see him as first team coach come the end of next season? I know not all great players make great coaches, but its hard to see how a team couldn't be inspired by someone like him, arguably the best forward this country has ever produced and a top bloke to boot.

You wouldn't have lost 50-0 yesterday with him in charge I doubt...

Your right I parked at Stanmore was home for 9.30

I don't think that is what he wants. he's identified a role where he believes he can make a difference, but it needs time and space that a head coach, constantly at the mercy of results, never gets.

You look at Leeds or Saints - the coaches change, but the results keep coming. A lot of that is to do with resource. But the the stuff around systems, process and culture, making the most of what you do have, is where I hope he make a difference.

My one concern is that he's always been at clubs with lots of resource available. Working within the constraints of Rovers budget might be difficult. If you know hiring another 5 back room staff would make a difference, being told it isn't affordable might be frustrating.

Not sure Mike Smith can be blamed for players who are signed, Rovers have people over there who recommend players and ultimately Phil Lowe and Chester will decide if they want them from dvd's.

Had Rovers not lost the final in such horrendous fashion I am not sure the finger pointing would be so deep however it should have been.

Willie Poaching is clueless, the players are happy to tell anyone who will listen.

And who on earth decided that kicking the ball dead from every set was a good tactic to deal with Hall, Briscoe, Hardaker etc? Did they not realise that by doing that and not turning these guys around you are just keeping them fresh to destroy you later?

It should have been kicked in and around the try line with good kick chase to ensure when they turned around the players mentioned were smashed near their own line.

No choice mate we went on coach.If we go again in car I would take your point without doubt.