Richardson out

[Snowflake Royal]

What's would everyone prefer?

• Unattractive football, contending for the play-offs
• Attractive football, flirting with relegation
• Mildly attractive football, mid-table finish

Note:

• Attractive football, contending for the play-offs

is not an option, but nor is

• Unattractive football, flirting with relegation

What people say now, and what they'd say when experiencing it are likely quite different

[tidus_mi2]

What's would everyone prefer?

• Unattractive football, contending for the play-offs
• Attractive football, flirting with relegation
• Mildly attractive football, mid-table finish

Note:

• Attractive football, contending for the play-offs

is not an option, but nor is

• Unattractive football, flirting with relegation

What people say now, and what they'd say when experiencing it are likely quite different

Yeah agreed, it's easy to say results are all that matters when you aren't getting results. Have we had times where we've played well but not got results? Can't really think of a scenario like that, probably because it's a bit contradictory.

[stealthpapes]

Change the manager and we get:
Better football. The second half of Stevenage away is the worst I have seen any team play football.
Better signings. No more of Leam's friends who are past it.
Decent loanees. Would you let any of your young players come and complete their education in the current Reading set-up?
Youth players.

I'm not sure he deserves the sack, but I would jump for joy if another club came in for him.

Point one - you simply cannot guarantee that and even if the play is better, it may not be as successful in terms of results.

Point two -
Roberts, Nyambe & Ward have all been decent to excellent signings under LR
Young seems pointless and I think was a rushed deal to get a body in
Keane has been a waste of a loan but made sense at the time - I think we all saw the logic in it, it just hasn't worked out
Rinomhota has clearly had some issues off the pitch which appear to have happened after he signed meaning he may as well not have been there.

Of those, only Keane really fits your criteria but as said, I think most people thought that made sense as a short term loan.

Point three

Again, impossible to say - loans aren't always young players but can be a way to bring in an older player that the parent club don't want but we can use - I would rather us use the loan market to bring in experience that we may end up signing and utilise our Academy for younger players rather than helping develop a Brighton player that they can sell on to someone else later.

Where I'd 100% take a loan is if we could get our hands on someone highly rated for 6 months that we absolutely would not have had a chance on otherwise.
... or to get Vickers back maybe ...

The transfer stuff basically boils down to

*Marriott a liquid gold bargain
*Ward and Williams good, injuries permitting
*a tonne of 6-7 out of 10s
*Jacob, MOM and Keane probably not worth it

That's out of 13 first team transfers and 7 loans.
Did anyone mention we were down to 7 players this summer?
Probably affected our preparation that.

[Clyde1998]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I believe results under Hunt would've improved as the season went on too, but it's become obvious Couhig never wanted him as manager. The most obvious example of this was the two trialists (Randell Williams; Andy Rinomhota) we had at the club being suddenly signed as soon as Richardson came in, despite them being at the club for about two months before this.

The football has been 'non-entertaining'* for most of the season, but I think that's a reflection of the players we've had available. Richardson said in his fans' forum he wants ball carriers and pace. I look at the current squad and I see Kyerewaa; Randell Williams; and Young as the only three who have the ability to run with the ball quickly among the current first team squad.

I think most people agree the recruitment in the summer was 'suboptimal'*. I don't know who's primarily responsible for that, but we seemed to have learned some lessons with what we did in January. This upcoming transfer window will determine how we're able to play next season.

I don't think the football under Rodgers was necessarily bad. I was simply worse than under Coppell and not helped by a massive transition from a top level Championship squad (which probably should've been promoted) to one made up largely of academy graduates; fringe players from the previous season; and new signings of a lower level than what we had.

The football under Stam was akin to a lot of what we've seen for large periods this season. No surprises that's when our crowds started falling off a cliff.

*Trying to be generous with my wording.

[Clyde1998]

The football under Hunt (this season) was worse imo. It was clueless, absolutely no better than what LR has done

I do find it a bit odd that people say the football was that awful against Lincoln. It really wasn’t. Played some nice stuff just couldn’t beat a very good block. It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t bad.

Obvs some games have been but others have been decent enough - Wigan and Plymouth at home for example

The football against Lincoln was one of our better shows recently, especially when factoring in the relative quality of the opposition.

The problems are it's still far from what people want to see; and the larger crowd means many people wouldn't have seen us play much recently and would expect better entertainment.

[Wycombe Royal]

I don't believe this is the way Richardson wants us to play, but he is trying to get results with the players he has. He has had one transfer window, and therefore doesn't have the type of players in key positions he wants.

He knows we need pace, in midfield, the wings and up top - we have two quick wide players, but how often have both been fit to be in the same team. Our midfield is just not dynamic enough, it offers little going forward and loses the ball frequently putting pressure on the defence, hence why we rarely keep clean sheets.

I firmly believe our defence is one of the best in the division, but it just can't cope with the midfield offering little protection in front of it.

It is definitely a work in progress, and I remember back to Coppell's tenure, and even Pardew's, that it took 3 or 4 transfer windows to build the right team. Take a look at Lincoln, they have been building gradually for a number of seasons to get where they are now. They don't have any big stars, but they have a team that play for and compliment each other. We are a long way from having that, but constantly changing a manager will never get you there.

Welcome back Wycombe. Certainly can't agree with your view of our defence... to me it's the clear weak link in the team, albeit a lot stronger with Williams and Ward.

I do think the general point about a good defence appearing bad because of a weak midfield is often a very good one though

I stand by my view of our defence. The game against Lincoln was a case in point. We had over 70% possession, yet nearly every time we lost the ball our midfield was non-existent in holding Lincoln up or tracking back leaving the defence exposed. This happens in most games. We always look short at the back and the defence does its best to not be overrun and limit chances. With a more dynamic midfield the cuts out runners, covers positions and actually tracks back with some urgency we would concede less goals. Our midfield hasn't functioned effectively for a long time as the players don't compliment each other and have very little pace.

[Snowflake Royal]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I believe results under Hunt would've improved as the season went on too, but it's become obvious Couhig never wanted him as manager. The most obvious example of this was the two trialists (Randell Williams; Andy Rinomhota) we had at the club being suddenly signed as soon as Richardson came in, despite them being at the club for about two months before this.

The football has been 'non-entertaining'* for most of the season, but I think that's a reflection of the players we've had available. Richardson said in his fans' forum he wants ball carriers and pace. I look at the current squad and I see Kyerewaa; Randell Williams; and Young as the only three who have the ability to run with the ball quickly among the current first team squad.

I think most people agree the recruitment in the summer was 'suboptimal'*. I don't know who's primarily responsible for that, but we seemed to have learned some lessons with what we did in January. This upcoming transfer window will determine how we're able to play next season.

I don't think the football under Rodgers was necessarily bad. I was simply worse than under Coppell and not helped by a massive transition from a top level Championship squad (which probably should've been promoted) to one made up largely of academy graduates; fringe players from the previous season; and new signings of a lower level than what we had.

The football under Stam was akin to a lot of what we've seen for large periods this season. No surprises that's when our crowds started falling off a cliff.

*Trying to be generous with my wording.

On the signings, I guess it depends on what you count as summer.... and whether you judge them as they were made or in hindsight....

Early(er) Signings.
O'Connor - on paper an excellent signing, on season review a solid signing. 8 on paper, 6.5 on review.
Burns - ok but leaves a little to be desired., exposed horribly by O'Connor's injury and playing alongside Stickland. 6.5 on paper, 5 on review
Doyle - grown into the season, on paper 7, in review 7.
Jacob - not great, dreadful start, somewhat unfairly maligned after. On paper 6, in review 4.5
O'Mahoney - less said, on paper 5.5, in review 2
Lane - on paper at least 7, in review 4
Fraser - realistically he was signed as a squad player. Which is how he has performed. On paper 6, in review 6.
Kyerewaa - basically a punt, on paper a 5 on review 7
Stevens - back up. - on paper 5.5, on review 5.5

Later Summer signings
Marriott - nuff said, on paper 6.5, in review 8
D Williams - best defender - on paper 6, in review 8
Ritchie - 6, on review 6.

Mid-season Signings
R Williams - a cover punt - on paper 5.5, in review 6.5 min.
Rinomhota - blighted by personal issue and months without a club - on paper 7, in review N/A

January signings
Keane - er 2 goals? On paper 6 ish, in review 4
Nyambe - on paper 6, in review 6
Roberts - on paper 6, in review 6 maybe
Ward - on paper 6.5, in review 7
Young - cover and not really done a lot. Obviously people will tell you he's a far better option than X, but he hasn't actually done it on the pitch yet. On paper 5.5 on review 5.5

If anything I'd say those later summer signings by Hunt to correct the issues with the early summer signings was our best hit!

[From Despair To Where?]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I've watched Reading for decades and Richardson's tenure doesn't come anywhere near close to being as bad as Porterfield's. That is the absolute benchmark nadir.

The football under Branfoot was absolutely awful to watch as well but he was successful so it's easily forgotten. Funnily enough, Branfoot's team was built on being the fittest and most attritional in the league which is something Richardson spotted as being a problem the day he turned up.

At the end of the day, unfortunately it is all about winning and if we were sitting 4th or higher, I don't think we'd be having any of this discussion at all.


I'm not saying I think Richardson is a tactical genius, far from it and I honestly think promotion back to the Championship is about the limit of our ambitions with him in charge but I don't think there are nearly enough grounds to say he should go at this point given what he inherited.

[Hound]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I believe results under Hunt would've improved as the season went on too, but it's become obvious Couhig never wanted him as manager. The most obvious example of this was the two trialists (Randell Williams; Andy Rinomhota) we had at the club being suddenly signed as soon as Richardson came in, despite them being at the club for about two months before this.

The football has been 'non-entertaining'* for most of the season, but I think that's a reflection of the players we've had available. Richardson said in his fans' forum he wants ball carriers and pace. I look at the current squad and I see Kyerewaa; Randell Williams; and Young as the only three who have the ability to run with the ball quickly among the current first team squad.

I think most people agree the recruitment in the summer was 'suboptimal'*. I don't know who's primarily responsible for that, but we seemed to have learned some lessons with what we did in January. This upcoming transfer window will determine how we're able to play next season.

I don't think the football under Rodgers was necessarily bad. I was simply worse than under Coppell and not helped by a massive transition from a top level Championship squad (which probably should've been promoted) to one made up largely of academy graduates; fringe players from the previous season; and new signings of a lower level than what we had.

The football under Stam was akin to a lot of what we've seen for large periods this season. No surprises that's when our crowds started falling off a cliff.

*Trying to be generous with my wording.

On the signings, I guess it depends on what you count as summer.... and whether you judge them as they were made or in hindsight....

Early(er) Signings.
O'Connor - on paper an excellent signing, on season review a solid signing. 8 on paper, 6.5 on review.
Burns - ok but leaves a little to be desired., exposed horribly by O'Connor's injury and playing alongside Stickland. 6.5 on paper, 5 on review
Doyle - grown into the season, on paper 7, in review 7.
Jacob - not great, dreadful start, somewhat unfairly maligned after. On paper 6, in review 4.5
O'Mahoney - less said, on paper 5.5, in review 2
Lane - on paper at least 7, in review 4
Fraser - realistically he was signed as a squad player. Which is how he has performed. On paper 6, in review 6.
Kyerewaa - basically a punt, on paper a 5 on review 7
Stevens - back up. - on paper 5.5, on review 5.5

Later Summer signings
Marriott - nuff said, on paper 6.5, in review 8
D Williams - best defender - on paper 6, in review 8
Ritchie - 6, on review 6.

Mid-season Signings
R Williams - a cover punt - on paper 5.5, in review 6.5 min.
Rinomhota - blighted by personal issue and months without a club - on paper 7, in review N/A

January signings
Keane - er 2 goals? On paper 6 ish, in review 4
Nyambe - on paper 6, in review 6
Roberts - on paper 6, in review 6 maybe
Ward - on paper 6.5, in review 7
Young - cover and not really done a lot. Obviously people will tell you he's a far better option than X, but he hasn't actually done it on the pitch yet. On paper 5.5 on review 5.5

If anything I'd say those later summer signings by Hunt to correct the issues with the early summer signings was our best hit!

I’m not sure you can give 2 players who have missed half the season injured (and were always quite likely to) an 8. Especially as they are both 30+, no matter what they’ve contributed when fit. Marriott prob costing us a fair bit as well

Ward on paper better than 6.5 but again injured (though an impact injury so a bit unfortunate). Roberts potentially one for longer term but again blighted by injuries. Doyle prob an 8 on paper, 7 on performance after a poor start

Otherwise broadly agree. I like the direction of the Jan signings more but still a lot to prove.

In summary we’ve got to do a lot better this summer so we’re not chasing deadline day punts and free agents again

[Jack Celliers]

Change the manager and we get:
Better football. The second half of Stevenage away is the worst I have seen any team play football.
Better signings. No more of Leam's friends who are past it.
Decent loanees. Would you let any of your young players come and complete their education in the current Reading set-up?
Youth players.

I'm not sure he deserves the sack, but I would jump for joy if another club came in for him.

That's a hell of an assumption.

How can it be worse?

[Stranded]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I've watched Reading for decades and Richardson's tenure doesn't come anywhere near close to being as bad as Porterfield's. That is the absolute benchmark nadir.

The football under Branfoot was absolutely awful to watch as well but he was successful so it's easily forgotten. Funnily enough, Branfoot's team was built on being the fittest and most attritional in the league which is something Richardson spotted as being a problem the day he turned up.

At the end of the day, unfortunately it is all about winning and if we were sitting 4th or higher, I don't think we'd be having any of this discussion at all.


I'm not saying I think Richardson is a tactical genius, far from it and I honestly think promotion back to the Championship is about the limit of our ambitions with him in charge but I don't think there are nearly enough grounds to say he should go at this point given what he inherited.

The thing is though, if you only take LR's reign into account we are sitting 4th yet people are still whinging about it. We are 8th because of a) the substandard start and b) the recent spell of very late goals costing us points. The 1st LR could do nothing about, the 2nd he could unless it really is down to the fact the players are less fit than the opposition and struggle mentally as a result to close games out.

[Sanguine]

Again, the notion that LR has done anything but an excellent job is absolutely hilarious. This is a squad that didn't exist at the end of last season and that his predecessor, for all his valiant efforts the season before, took to just three victories in our first 14 league games. We lost 5 in 13 under Hunt, we've lost 7 in 28 with LR.

Which is not to say that losing three points to 96th minute goals in our last two games doesn't really bite. And it's 7 points in our last 11 games, if you go back to the Bolton and Vale equalisers. What with Exeter (93rd minute?) too, it's actually a bit odd.

[gazzer, loyal royal]

Noel was livid about the summer transfer window. Pretty much every target he wanted was missed and then the other players were brought in.

In the minority here, but lets give Leam the summer to get out and in who he wants rather than using an inherited squad and short term signings.

Leam appears good at getting results on L1, despite how the teams play but has been found out in the championship, but i think he deserves a shot until the same timeframe as Noel to implement what he wants to do (takes cover)

[From Despair To Where?]

I am not one to want managers sacked. I know I am in a minority, but I absolutely believe that Noel Hunt would have turned this season round if he had not been sacked. At least under Hunt the football was watchable.

I have watched RFC for decades and I just cannot remember the type of football being as unwatchable as it has been under LR. Maybe it was just as bad under Brendan Rodgers? The question is whether this is the LR style and we get more of the same gutless hoofball next season - or is he capable of changing the way we play? I know it is a results business, but at the end of the day it is also about entertainment and crowd numbers will not begin to increase substantially unless things change. The owners have a big decision to make in my opinion.

I've watched Reading for decades and Richardson's tenure doesn't come anywhere near close to being as bad as Porterfield's. That is the absolute benchmark nadir.

The football under Branfoot was absolutely awful to watch as well but he was successful so it's easily forgotten. Funnily enough, Branfoot's team was built on being the fittest and most attritional in the league which is something Richardson spotted as being a problem the day he turned up.

At the end of the day, unfortunately it is all about winning and if we were sitting 4th or higher, I don't think we'd be having any of this discussion at all.


I'm not saying I think Richardson is a tactical genius, far from it and I honestly think promotion back to the Championship is about the limit of our ambitions with him in charge but I don't think there are nearly enough grounds to say he should go at this point given what he inherited.

The thing is though, if you only take LR's reign into account we are sitting 4th yet people are still whinging about it. We are 8th because of a) the substandard start and b) the recent spell of very late goals costing us points. The 1st LR could do nothing about, the 2nd he could unless it really is down to the fact the players are less fit than the opposition and struggle mentally as a result to close games out.

My point really is that if we'd not conceded injury time goals to Exeter, Bolton,Port Vale, Huddersfield and Lincoln we'd be on 71pts but still playing shit football. I do think a lot of the issues are caused by poor fitness levels; you don't take risks, you don't manage the game well, you play deeper, you're more error prone, you make bad decisions, you can't compete physically, you're less confident, you concede late goals.....

What I'd give to have a James Harper in the team.....

[Hound]

I’m not sure, I think fitness has been an issue at times but who currently playing looks to be struggling fitness wise? I’d say DK, but that’s just coming back from injury. Maybe Nyambe but I think he just looks like a slightly chubby 40 year old rather than actually being unfit. Roberts just coming back. Keane doesn’t look right in any way.

POC, Dorsett, Burns, Wing, Savage, Fraser, Doyle, Kelvin, Lane. No excuses from that lot really

I think it’s more where it’s become a habit and we’re not confident seeing out a game because of previous late goals. Makes us edgy and lose composure. Hudders on Lincoln wasn’t because we were tired I don’t think

We don’t look unfit when we’re chasing a game particularly as the late goals of our own show

[Sanguine]

My point really is that if we'd not conceded injury time goals to Exeter, Bolton,Port Vale, Huddersfield and Lincoln we'd be on 71pts but still playing shit football.

We've gone from nearly losing our club to complaining about (a hypothetical) 71 points with four games to go. Doesn't time fly.

[Snowflake Royal]

Change the manager and we get:
Better football. The second half of Stevenage away is the worst I have seen any team play football.
Better signings. No more of Leam's friends who are past it.
Decent loanees. Would you let any of your young players come and complete their education in the current Reading set-up?
Youth players.

I'm not sure he deserves the sack, but I would jump for joy if another club came in for him.

That's a hell of an assumption.

How can it be worse?

Easily. We could be losing 40% of our games, scoring fewer goals, worse pass success and worse possession. Quite easily.

[From Despair To Where?]

No complaints here, I always thought this season would be more challenging with us not fighting for our lives.

[Snowflake Royal]

I believe results under Hunt would've improved as the season went on too, but it's become obvious Couhig never wanted him as manager. The most obvious example of this was the two trialists (Randell Williams; Andy Rinomhota) we had at the club being suddenly signed as soon as Richardson came in, despite them being at the club for about two months before this.

The football has been 'non-entertaining'* for most of the season, but I think that's a reflection of the players we've had available. Richardson said in his fans' forum he wants ball carriers and pace. I look at the current squad and I see Kyerewaa; Randell Williams; and Young as the only three who have the ability to run with the ball quickly among the current first team squad.

I think most people agree the recruitment in the summer was 'suboptimal'*. I don't know who's primarily responsible for that, but we seemed to have learned some lessons with what we did in January. This upcoming transfer window will determine how we're able to play next season.

I don't think the football under Rodgers was necessarily bad. I was simply worse than under Coppell and not helped by a massive transition from a top level Championship squad (which probably should've been promoted) to one made up largely of academy graduates; fringe players from the previous season; and new signings of a lower level than what we had.

The football under Stam was akin to a lot of what we've seen for large periods this season. No surprises that's when our crowds started falling off a cliff.

*Trying to be generous with my wording.

On the signings, I guess it depends on what you count as summer.... and whether you judge them as they were made or in hindsight....

Early(er) Signings.
O'Connor - on paper an excellent signing, on season review a solid signing. 8 on paper, 6.5 on review.
Burns - ok but leaves a little to be desired., exposed horribly by O'Connor's injury and playing alongside Stickland. 6.5 on paper, 5 on review
Doyle - grown into the season, on paper 7, in review 7.
Jacob - not great, dreadful start, somewhat unfairly maligned after. On paper 6, in review 4.5
O'Mahoney - less said, on paper 5.5, in review 2
Lane - on paper at least 7, in review 4
Fraser - realistically he was signed as a squad player. Which is how he has performed. On paper 6, in review 6.
Kyerewaa - basically a punt, on paper a 5 on review 7
Stevens - back up. - on paper 5.5, on review 5.5

Later Summer signings
Marriott - nuff said, on paper 6.5, in review 8
D Williams - best defender - on paper 6, in review 8
Ritchie - 6, on review 6.

Mid-season Signings
R Williams - a cover punt - on paper 5.5, in review 6.5 min.
Rinomhota - blighted by personal issue and months without a club - on paper 7, in review N/A

January signings
Keane - er 2 goals? On paper 6 ish, in review 4
Nyambe - on paper 6, in review 6
Roberts - on paper 6, in review 6 maybe
Ward - on paper 6.5, in review 7
Young - cover and not really done a lot. Obviously people will tell you he's a far better option than X, but he hasn't actually done it on the pitch yet. On paper 5.5 on review 5.5

If anything I'd say those later summer signings by Hunt to correct the issues with the early summer signings was our best hit!

I’m not sure you can give 2 players who have missed half the season injured (and were always quite likely to) an 8. Especially as they are both 30+, no matter what they’ve contributed when fit. Marriott prob costing us a fair bit as well

Ward on paper better than 6.5 but again injured (though an impact injury so a bit unfortunate). Roberts potentially one for longer term but again blighted by injuries. Doyle prob an 8 on paper, 7 on performance after a poor start

Otherwise broadly agree. I like the direction of the Jan signings more but still a lot to prove.

In summary we’ve got to do a lot better this summer so we’re not chasing deadline day punts and free agents again

I think its reasonable to give a guy who comes in and gets topscorer, even in half a season, a good grade. If he'd played more itd be a 9 or 10.

Similar for Williams, best defender. If he'd played more it would be a 9.

[Mid Sussex Royal]

Noel was livid about the summer transfer window. Pretty much every target he wanted was missed and then the other players were brought in.

In the minority here, but lets give Leam the summer to get out and in who he wants rather than using an inherited squad and short term signings.

Leam appears good at getting results on L1, despite how the teams play but has been found out in the championship, but i think he deserves a shot until the same timeframe as Noel to implement what he wants to do (takes cover)

The 2 players Noel supposedly wanted in which we didn't get (according to Brogue) were Bowler and Cole who have both done nothing this season and Bowler would most likely have stopped DK progressing and if we'd signed Cole we probably wouldn't have gone for Marriott.