The Voodooguru

Ah thanks folks, it was sent to me as a screenshot so I took it at face value, Newcastle are still surprisingly high.

Can anyone explain how we are 32nd out of 35 teams on the new IMG scoring with Whitehaven for example on more than double our points despite all their recent financial struggles and league position free fall? Same with Newcastle. Have they both fiddled the books or something? I don't get it.

Of course I'm not suggesting that, I have re-read my posts and cannot fathom where you get that impression from. We have made the commitment and just have to put up with it, whether we all like it or not. I remember sitting in the Carneigie being a bit sceptical and being won over by these so called experts claiming it would be a fantastic looking full stadium build funded by the social conscience of big businesses such as Rolls Royce, and in Dave Bowden I thought he was a trustworthy figurehead. Now the reality is very very different, and I personally have doubts about the whole thing being fit for purpose in the long term. Both teams need this to happen so unfortunately necessity and desperation are the big drivers. Neither club can hit the pause button and take a step back as financially they need the new stadium to happen. I'm not having a dig at our BOD by the way as I trust them 100% to play the best hand they are dealt, but sometimes I think they have had to play with a loaded pack.

What utter rhubarb! Of course it makes a difference where you watch it from. Its a completely different experience watching from the end of the ground, from the side, at ground level, or higher up with a better view of the whole pitch. Can you see a forward pass or an off side stood on the town end? I have stood in the Kop, on the top tier of Wembley, the so called popular side of the wreck, and at ground level in front of the DP grandstand and it makes a huge difference in the enjoyment of the game. In the latter two I've missed tries as I can't see the corner of the pitch or because I'm looking through players bodies. Most people sit or stand in the same place because its their preferred view of the pitch.

I suppose it depends on where your loyalties lie. The reds have the worst stadium of the two currently and are basically getting a new stadium on the old footprint, so it will be 100 x better no matter what. Town are moving into the reds new ground effectively, and although it will have some new sheds and improved facilities in my opinion the viewing experience will not be as good, and the 3g pitch will not be an improvement for either team. By your name I'd take a guess you are a reds fan so I'd expect you to be very pleased.

Its too late for all that now the decisions are already made, we are getting narrow biscuit tin stands and a function room for 120 and a fully plastic pitch. Money is tight so it is just going to be a basic functioning stadium with promises and dreams of what it might be and what it could have been. We will all miss DP and the memories we all have. We just have to wait and see what we get as it is up to others to deliver something better than what we have. UTT

Oh well, I suppose we will see if he did sign for us or just agreed to sign for us next year. Hearing that Jonty has been unwell after another scare at work. Sending him all the best and hope the experts can get to the cause of the problems and get him well again ASAP.

Obviously patched things up with Muzza then. Good luck to the lad apart from on Derby days when I hope he gets smashed every tackle.

Best of luck to Cooper wherever he ends up. Unfortunately it just wasn't the right time for him here. I liked him, he had something in there but we just didn't see enough of it. I think he has the attributes to be a decent centre as he was just a bit lightweight as a back rower. But what do i know. Hopefully there are a few nice surprises for presentation night. UTT

Jack Stephenson has to be near the top of that list for me. His work rate all season has been phenomenal in both attack & defence, his body will be welcome of the rest this off season.

Yeah, as has been said if we keep the core of our squad a couple of big props to get us out from our line, a hooker, a centre, and winger. I suppose it depends who we lose. Let's just hope Jonty is OK to carry on at the helm as its been good to have him back yam, but obviously his health comes first. Hear all sorts of things at work, the reliable folk say Haven might take as many as 4 or 5 off us. Apparently the purse strings have loosened at the wreck and the noisy neighbours are banging their drums again. Anyone got a list of who is already signed up next year?

Unexpected but excellent to have the 2 lads signed back up, and their signing can hopefully persuade others that we will have a competitive squad next season, especially if we can keep the core of the squad together. UTT.

I just like beating them...

So the try line has moved again. What an absolute disgrace the Rugby League governing body is. It is not fit for purpose. The season is done in 2 games time and everyone learns of this with less than a month to the play offs. Some clubs should organise a little tournament to generate the lost income. Or we could just play the Jambos home and away.....

The Haven lads at work are saying its JD going back as he doesn't like playing hooker, and Shackley & Henson are coming out of retirement. Heard the Shacks craic more than once. This season hasn't even finished yet and its going crackers! ( well it might as well have finished for Haven)