Salford City Reds in 2011

[1976PMJwires]

Well basically we are strengthening the side which beat Widnes 36-0 in January.

The rest is Chemical Conjecture.

Just how many are there in the Widnes Mafia on here - at least 8 -amazing performers.

'Segovia Carpet'

Halton Stadium, sponsor take the name to Stobbart, but it'll always be a council park pitch.

last sunday first time for years to see all stands full...... ignore the easy meat

[Wilderspoolmemories]

At last a season to look forward to with real confidence for the Salford faithful with Luke Patten, Vinnie Anderson, Stephen Wild, Chris Nero and now Feka Palea'asina all signed up for next year.

Ahem..............salary cap anyone?

[ChrisB]

Well basically we are strengthening the side which beat Widnes 36-0 in January.

The rest is Chemical Conjecture.

Is it conjecture that the majority of the funding is coming from the council? Is it conjecture that all councils are being asked to drastically reign back spending?.. (In Bolton they are looking at closing Leisure Centres the cuts are that bad). Personally I wonder how the council could justify spending somewhere in the region of

[ChrisB]

'Segovia Carpet'

Halton Stadium, sponsor take the name to Stobbart, but it'll always be a council park pitch.

Much like the Red's new ground will be if and when it gets built.

last sunday first time for years to see all stands full...... ignore the easy meat

Well the last time we got close was when we were in SL.. Looking forward to seeing much the same thing again in 2012.

[John Drake]

I've just removed a load of off-topic argy bargy from this thread. Please don't start any more. It's about Salford's chances in 2011, remember, not a 'my club/stadium is better than yours' willy-waggling contest.

[Bomb Jack]

remember, not a 'my club/stadium is better than yours' willy-waggling contest.

[ChrisB]

I've just removed a load of off-topic argy bargy from this thread. Please don't start any more. It's about Salford's chances in 2011, remember, not a 'my club/stadium is better than yours' willy-waggling contest.

It wasn't intended to be John. I was wondering whether Salford's squad building for next year (Franchise decision year) was intrinsically linked with the stadium's progress. They are throwing some money around when in the past they have shied away from this?

Fair question if you ask me?

[Dave T]

Also signed Leo-Latu now. Will he strengthen their chances? Never really liked him since his ban for racism, but he seems a pretty dangerous player and lively round the ruck...

[tonyXIII]

It wasn't intended to be John. I was wondering whether Salford's squad building for next year (Franchise decision year) was intrinsically linked with the stadium's progress. They are throwing some money around when in the past they have shied away from this?

Fair question if you ask me?

I'll try to give you a fair answer.

Salford's position 2 years ago was fraught with problems. I'm still a bit surprised we got the licence and you didn't (I actually said at the time that I thought you were favourites). We had a ###### ground, poor on-field performance and no juniors to speak of. What we did was to prioritise our "to do" list and tackle the most important - the ground - first. Now the ground is apparently sorted (I accept that there's many a slip, etc.), we're moving on to address the on-field performance. It is a sensible approach. Incidentally, from Segovia Carpet's recent post, it seems that we have been quietly addressing the juniors issue simultaneously to the ground one.

One other club has taken this approach. Your own. Once Widnes had ticked the on-field performance box (which they did as soon as was possible), they turned to their next priority, which was their juniors. It is a sensible approach.

It seems to me that Cas and Wakey prioritised things differently, believing their best way forward was to get the on-field performance right first. Time will tell who was right, but I think both Cas and Wakey have underestimated the problems associated with getting a new ground built, though I really do wish them well and hope they can pull it off. If they do, Salford's position once again looks very weak unless we are competitive next year.

So, is it linked with stadium progress? Yes. Stadium done, move on to squad building. Is it an attempt to hoodwink the RFL? (Not your question, but implicit) No, I don't think so. If our stadium isn't under construction before the bids are considered, we don't deserve the licence. (I can't remeber when I first posted that statement, but it would be about two years ago).

I sincerely do hope the RFL have the mother of all headaches next year, when they have to reconcile their promises with the reality. One team to be promoted - Widnes. SL to stay at 14 with Salford, Cas and Wakey all on the verge of moving into new grounds. Aspirin, anyone?

Edited for typo

Edited August 14, 2010 by tonyXIII

[Wilderspoolmemories]

I am not being nasty or argumentative here,but if Warrington had signed all those players fans of every other club in SL would be on here now screaming "they must be over the salary cap." Salford don't get very big crowds at the willows,and I for one await with baited breath the findings of the RFL next season when they routinely check through salford's spending as part of the "live" salary cap regulations.

[ChrisB]

I'll try to give you a fair answer.

Salford's position 2 years ago was fraught with problems. I'm still a bit surprised we got the licence and you didn't (I actually said at the time that I thought you were favourites). We had a ###### ground, poor on-field performance and no juniors to speak of. What we did was to prioritise our "to do" list and tackle the most important - the ground - first. Now the ground is apparently sorted (I accept that there's many a slip, etc.), we're moving on to address the on-field performance. It is a sensible approach. Incidentally, from Segovia Carpet's recent post, it seems that we have been quietly addressing the juniors issue simultaneously to the ground one.

One other club has taken this approach. Your own. Once Widnes had ticked the on-field performance box (which they did as soon as was possible), they turned to their next priority, which was their juniors. It is a sensible approach.

It seems to me that Cas and Wakey prioritised things differently, believing their best way forward was to get the on-field performance right first. Time will tell who was right, but I think both Cas and Wakey have underestimated the problems associated with getting a new ground built, though I really do wish them well and hope they can pull it off. If they do, Salford's position once again looks very weak unless we are competitive next year.

So, is it linked with stadium progress? Yes. Stadium done, move on to squad building. Is it an attempt to hoodwink the RFL? (Not your question, but implicit) No, I don't think so. If our stadium isn't under construction before the bids are considered, we don't deserve the licence. (I can't remeber when I first posted that statement, but it would be about two years ago).

I sincerely do hope the RFL have the mother of all headaches next year, when they have to reconcile their promises with the reality. One team to be promoted - Widnes. SL to stay at 14 with Salford, Cas and Wakey all on the verge of moving into new grounds. Aspirin, anyone?

Edited for typo

Tony, thanks for the response...

Firstly let me say that despite what the poster above thinks I have no axe to grind with Salford. In 2008 Salford won the GF and was rightly put into SL. Secondly I do want them to remain in SL for 2012 because I enjoy the games between the two sides. I also think in their case that the Willows is being harshly criticised.

I realise that the club needs to move due to the high costs of maintaining the place but it is one of the best examples of a RL stadium still in use and is still in very good nick IMO. I think people have a tendency to be overly critical of the place because it is not one of the new prefabricated looking stadiums that are popping up in the game.

Secondly... it is a decent looking squad that Salford seem to be putting together. If they do get the ground and build on the players that are arriving in 2011 could they do a Warrington?

[Segovia Carpet]

I am not being nasty or argumentative here,but if Warrington had signed all those players fans of every other club in SL would be on here now screaming "they must be over the salary cap." Salford don't get very big crowds at the willows,and I for one await with baited breath the findings of the RFL next season when they routinely check through salford's spending as part of the "live" salary cap regulations.

I think its fair to say that we have spent considerably less than out limit over the past 2 years. In return we have had a generally poor team BUT containing many useful young lads for the future in Sidlow, Ratchford, Gibson, Boyle, Broughton, Jewitt, Adamson etc.

Now Alker has retired (probably the biggest contract in force) plus Sibbitt, Fitzy, Littler, Lulu & Swain will be moving on. So if the Directors wished - which it seems they did - there was a considerable pot available. I think they may be looking for another one or two yet.

[L Bow]

I am not being nasty or argumentative here,but if Warrington had signed all those players fans of every other club in SL would be on here now screaming "they must be over the salary cap." Salford don't get very big crowds at the willows,and I for one await with baited breath the findings of the RFL next season when they routinely check through salford's spending as part of the "live" salary cap regulations.

Yes you are.

You're making thinly veiled accusations. Before waiting with your baited breath I suggest you go through the current squad and establish who is leaving or retiring and then match that with who is replacing.

Then go away and check how the cap works.

[hindle xiii]

Considering none of the big spenders have seemingly broken the salary cap for the last few years since it was overhauled, then I fail to believe Salford will fall foul.

[Wilderspoolmemories]

Yes you are.

You're making thinly veiled accusations. Before waiting with your baited breath I suggest you go through the current squad and establish who is leaving or retiring and then match that with who is replacing.

Then go away and check how the cap works.

Oh,so I am levelling at Salford accusations similar to the ones that us Warrington fans have endured from fans of other clubs for years now? Interesting that.

[L Bow]

Oh,so I am levelling at Salford accusations similar to the ones that us Warrington fans have endured from fans of other clubs for years now? Interesting that.

It's not interesting. You're just offering ill-informed opinion.

If we'd signed players who were current Aus, GB or NZ internationals at the same time as having no leavers in the current squad then there may have been some point to your post. However, none of the players signed are of that calibre.

[Fully]

I am not being nasty or argumentative here,but if Warrington had signed all those players fans of every other club in SL would be on here now screaming "they must be over the salary cap." Salford don't get very big crowds at the willows,and I for one await with baited breath the findings of the RFL next season when they routinely check through salford's spending as part of the "live" salary cap regulations.

There's a difference in the fact that reportedly Salford aren't spending the cap in the first place but will be next season and secondly, you are and always have been.

[Dave T]

I am not being nasty or argumentative here,but if Warrington had signed all those players fans of every other club in SL would be on here now screaming "they must be over the salary cap." Salford don't get very big crowds at the willows,and I for one await with baited breath the findings of the RFL next season when they routinely check through salford's spending as part of the "live" salary cap regulations.

You clearly do not understand the salary cap.

[Wilderspoolmemories]

You clearly do not understand the salary cap.

Explain why I don't understand it. As I am aware clubs can pay players 50% of their turnover or

[shrek]

Explain why I don't understand it. As I am aware clubs can pay players 50% of their turnover or

[Dave T]

Explain why I don't understand it. As I am aware clubs can pay players 50% of their turnover or