Perspective aka the 7 year itch

I wanted to write a short(ish) personal view on the club following recent changes and performances.

I've always been a big fan of looking at the big picture and so I write this in that context. Of course we also have the benefit of hindsight which both helps and hinders in equal measure.

Anyway, we entered Super League in 2007 with the simple objective of survival. We assembled a bunch of lads based largely on the 2006 promotion squad and met our objective of staying in the league when franchising arrived. Let's not forget however that the squad was significantly added to during the season to deliver that survival.

A wholesale (over) investment in top players delivered a great spell from 08 to 2010 with some improved consistency. That said it also coincided with the global financial crisis and the effects of that would hit us all. In reality and with hindsight we invested too heavily in the first team to the detriment of off-field and youth. The ramifications of that would come back to hurt us.

So the Morgan era ended with us wanting to have more emphasis on the youth and a more balanced approach. This was both financial as despite a level of success both commercial and consumer income had taken a hit. That said, we continued to attempt to invest in both off and on field and when I contrast facilities to 2007 it's significantly better.

Perhaps it's because of the balancing act or probably more related to a skew in initial priorities, the last few seasons have been very inconsistent. We probably haven't been able to feel more balanced off field until the start of last season with some good back office hires and promotions. Sandy has left us with a good legacy relating to a number of technical improvements and we can see with 16's and 19's some of that is coming through. One of Craig's other objectives was to help us create succession with the club and Chris Chester is also testament to that.

What have we (BOD) learned?

You can't win. Despite how hard you try you simply can't please everyone and one mans favourite is another mans pariah. We therefore try and keep our business quiet. Remember, I was that fan who was convinced of the conspiracies prior to being involved. The reality is far more mundane, sensible and caring than you might imagine.

If you consider the playing inconsistency then that to some extent mirrors the strategic inconsistency. Over invest in players, under invest etc. it's hard when times are good it's been much harder in challenging economic conditions.

So strategically we know that we need to balance. That mans being very competitive based on commitment and attitude first and foremost. We need a new attitude from the new playing group in 2015 and both the players coming in and those staying, know that. We've been too soft and it will be addressed.

On the subject of head coach it's easy to imagine what may or may not of happened. It's also important to understand that being an assistant is a hard task. Often those views are not heard or taken on board, Chris having been in that role will I think be happy to hear views. He's also a very honest man and a good bloke, the players will know when they stand. He can't change a seven year old culture overnight but is making a great start.

Were all entitled to an opinion and we accept that but it can be hard work at times! I encourage everyone to consider that with most "stories" there are two sides.

So to everyone on here and further afield, thanks for your support in 2014 and I really do think 2015 is the start of a better future. Won't be overnight but with honesty and commitment we will have a team we can all be proud of.

Thanks for listening and hope to see some of you at the Insight forum with myself and the head coach.

RTID!

Rob
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Interesting reflection from RC for me we have been on a fantastic journey in SL and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a fan of the British game and believe that both clubs should get back to the model of the 80's with the teams made up of local lads and 3-4 world class players of the standard of Kearney , Smith , for Hull and Prohm , Broadhurst etc . I do understand for rovers developing the youngsters is a medium to long term strategy but keeping hold of them is a must when bigger clubs come along. RFL have sold our game to Sky to cheaply in my opinion compared to Rugby Union and if we had a better deal then maybe the difference between the top four and the rest could be reduced. Keep up the great work NH and RC up the robins

They haven't finished higher, well yet anyway and could finish lower. They haven't played a play off game yet so could lose both or only one if they finish 5th.
I'll give you the wembley one though...

Another behind the scenes "stick with us" the good times are ahead, we have heard it all for seasons, at most clubs.

An admittance that the stagnation of the last four years is due to poor decision making of their own (the golden triangle of chair, vice and chief exec ) , not only, but not least, the ill-conceived, , ill thought out but expensive appointment process (or jolly) that resulted in the failed appointment of a school teacher as head coach would be honest...

Hate to say I told you so but........ I told you so!!