Cooke was also the catylist and the probably the difference that kept us in Super League, so worth every penny.

The last few pages are a sad reflection on both clubs youth policies in the not too distant past. Fortunately, both clubs seem to be on a road to recovery.

Hull have suffered from years of under-investment in their youth and the board not really giving a damn. We only did 'well' prior to that due to Rovers not in direct competition, and us reaping the benefits of the city being a hot-bed without us having to do much.

The last real crop to come through was the Houghton, Washbrook, Wheeldon, Hall, Lee etc crop - who some, despite maybe coming through after 2007 when Rovers were promoted, were still a legacy of our monopoly in the city.

Rovers may as well write off pre-2007. It's pretty much irrelevant to this 'debate' as the funds simply wouldn;t have been there, and prmotion was the ultimate goal. Like Hull, in those years following promotion, youth wasn't at the top of the priorities list.

Things are changing though. Both sides seem to have a sprinkling of players that have come through their youth setups established in their first team, as well as a number of promising yougsters getting the odd game with a view to bringing them on slowly.

Good post.

What does that even mean?

"Good post".

Yes, well done you, wasn't subscribing to the Wankers Charter.

Lovely.

We'll get along swimmingly for here on in.

Have a Jelly Baby.

I presume being a gold member is based on the number of posts not on their quality.

Wasn't he the Dutch bloke who ate his own skin?