IanMac

Very sad news. An all time town great. RIP Boxer, condolences to family and friends.

Excellent news! Really hope Curtis is fit as I think him and Tate could cause some problems for defences.

Exactly what I thought. He was very reluctant to give it but neither touch judge did anything

I agree David, but unfortunately that would be applying common sense and that appears to be something the rfl are seriously lacking in. Furthermore I can’t see super league clubs wanting to share their monetary pie anymore than they have to. I fear the decisions that are taken will see a number of historic and long established clubs cease to exist. Some may say, given the crowds those clubs attract, they will be no great loss, but each of those clubs is embedded in the community and do good work. Hopefully we aren’t one of them but if, as seems likely, we are relegated then I can’t see a very bright future unfortunately.

So much better than we’ve been performing from 1 -17 and very unlucky to not get at least a draw. First half was nearly flawless as regards penalties and six agains but we made a few errors in that 2nd half that cost us. Like others I’m a bit baffled when our most dangerous dummy half runner against big forwards is used in the middle. Could have made such a difference with his speed off the mark. Oscar was outstanding and he has got to move into the half’s, a bit of unpredictability and off the cuff from him could open defences. I feel for young Bickerdike, I don’t know what happened but assume he lost the ball while touching down.

Best of luck today boys, give 100% nobody can ask for anymore. I remember a game in the early 70’s against Batley, we got beat 33-0 I think at home, and I remember thinking that’s my lot I’m not wasting my pocket money on watching that rubbish. Unfortunately it was already in my blood and 50 years later still love going to Derwent Park whether through good or bad times. Let’s hope we can get a win soon. UTT

Nice to hear in that interview that Will Tate wants to stay, let’s hope we can keep him, looks a tremendous prospect.

Terrible Keith, I was only watching on my phone as on holiday but there were light patches and then seriously dark bits, not good. The rain on the cameras in the 2nd half made it really difficult to view. Having said that enjoyed the game although not the result.

I suppose it could be, a lot will depend on their current situation probably and whether they have other offers to consider

Yes that did seem to have happened on a couple of occasions from what he said. I suppose it’s maybe not too easy attracting someone to a bottom of the table team. Hopefully get these other 2 over the line.

Well going by Chris’s interview on Facebook we’ve got 1 definitely for Sunday and waiting for word on 2 contract offers till the end of the season. Hopefully have all 3 available.

Reading those minutes very quickly it does appear as though the removal of and building a new grandstand at Borough Park together with the laying of a new artificial pitch will cost 6.5 million. Any other work will only commence once funding has been found. The stadium will be operated by a sports village company, essentially directors from Town and Reds with independent directors as well. It looks as though the proposal is to grant a long term lease to the sports village company for both borough park and Lonsdale park in return for which we would have to surrender our existing lease on Derwent Park. It doesn’t sound like there’s any financial recompense for that. I’m all for a new stadium but if the funding isn’t there now to do it properly is it going to be there in the future? Is what we will be getting worth the gamble of possible future funding? Not too sure that this is what I was expecting but hopefully the club can deal with it in the correct way.

Derwent Park was de regulated and no longer classed as a designated stadium a couple of years ago having had its capacity reduced. Essentially any stadium capable of having a capacity of 10000 is a designated stadium and has to ensure it meets all the relevant criteria for safety. With an old stadium like Derwent Park it probably costs a fortune just to ensure you get a safety certificate. We now have two covered stands which are regulated in so far as they need fire safety certificates, but not a safety certificate under the sports grounds act, but it brings the capacity down to less than 5k. A brand new stadium with a 5k capacity has got to be a big plus not just for fans, but players, staff and probably most of all the directors of both clubs who won’t have to continually try to find money for repairs just so that fans are allowed in.

When we played them at home we just didn’t perform at all and we could have got a draw right at the end. It will be difficult for sure, they are a really big and strong team and will certainly have a size advantage but hopefully we don’t let them get a roll on and don’t give too many penalties away. I hope we’ve saved our best till the last game, you can do it boys!! UTT

Well what a game that was. Keighley looked the better team all through but Donny never gave in. A shame really because Keighley would have brought far more fans.

Nothing new in this. Leon has often said numbers are poor due to a variety of factors. Looking at the fitness levels in the two friendlies most have put plenty of work in. Certainly there seemed to be good numbers on the photos put on Facebook. Interesting reading a Jarrod Sammut piece last week saying about the low numbers that trained when he was here, coming from a full time environment he found it a culture shock.

I agree Scott. He’s still only a young and relatively inexperienced player and was getting better all the time. He obviously had a love for the club as well when you read his tweets after the swinton game last season so hopefully something can be sorted out and we can see him in blue and white again.

Surprised at that. Was in the changing room after the haven game.

I agree. I don’t think any team in this league will be running with a big squad. Loans and dr will play a part for most clubs. In an ideal world you’d want a reserve team but that ain’t gonna happen as even super league don’t seem to be able to manage that. The fact you have to run with only 10 home fixtures isn’t good for revenue and what’s the point of having players signed on who become quickly fed up at little or no game time. I think the way that the town are bringing youngsters into train is a good way to show them what is required for the step up to the semi pro game and it will hopefully bear fruit in the years to come. I certainly won’t be disappointed if the standard of loanees match those from last year because no one could say that we didn’t benefit from them, they gave their all for the shirt and obviously led to Tylar signing this year. Until such times we are in a position to run a reserve team or develop an academy, which will only come with significant investment, I can’t see things changing.

Interesting reading the town review of 2018 in times and star saying there is at least one more ex super league player expected to join. Let’s hope he’s a good un.

If he plays as well as Penky and Olly who were also supposedly on their swan song he’ll do for me mate.

That’s some pack we are putting together. A hooker another half back and a couple of backs and we’ll be well set. Interesting on Jamie’s tweet saying a few still to come in. Look forward to seeing who they are.

Signed a 2 year deal with Barrow

Signed a 12 month contract with barrow.

Possibily the player who has links with the USA, only guessing mind.