Pressure's on Mr Wane

[jobo]

Has Shaun Wane got what it takes.

Michael McGuire had the nucleus of a good team that he took to heights even they didn't think they could get to. Second season he brought in 3 top class antipodeans and I for one really expected us to push forward and get at least 2 out of three trophies.

Hoffman, Gleeson, Joel, Deacon and Coley have now gone, with Dudson, Flowers, Gelling and Lauaki replacements. Could be a long summer.

I reckon the main thing he's got in his favour is the fact that he was the youth team coach for so many years and his knowledge of these players may prove pivotal in Wigan's success this year. Hope he's strong enough to make what he believes are the right decisions.

[First Try Tickle]

Who's Mr Wayne?

Come on, not only has been at the club for years, but he also played for us.

And please no Sean's as well...

It was bad enough with Sam Tompkins.

[jobo]

Who's Mr Wayne?

Come on, not only has been at the club for years, but he also played for us.

And please no Sean's as well...

It was bad enough with Sam Tompkins.

Am I missing something here????. His name is Shaun, not Sean. Also it isn't a dig more of a debating question. I'm making the point that he's a pretty tough job ahead of him, with less resource than his predecessor and his knowledge of the club will hopefully see him through, provided that when things go wrong he's got the self belief to see it through. Blind faith is fine when you are blind but an abdication if you can see.



:conf:

[Nezza Faz]

TOM(p)KINS !!! :conf: :conf:

[jobo]

Just watched True Grit, the original by the way.

[TonyH]

The players already had the ingredients. Everyone thinks Maguire worked miracles and taught them 'loads'. The fact is he just gave the lads that extra bit of cutting edge, little things like playing off their hips i.e. straightening up with the ball and playing so close to the line not to mention the technique we incorporate in defence now.

The current crop of players have a team spirit like no other, a happy team is a busy team and a busy team is a winning team.

I know it's not all rosey and I'll save my personal thoughts about Sam Tomkins but we will do well again this year. Grand Final and League Leaders.

[wiganwarriordave]

I'm reserving any judgment until the season starts. Pre season is, and always will be a chance to try new things and players, and it not a true reflection of the season to come.

Preemptive though, I'm mostly concerned about our defense. Madge was big on that, and it was what won us a lot of games. It was enforced by a few experienced players we have lost though(Joel, Hoff, Coley). Wane has already been frank about Gelling, and said he has work to do. Time will tell.

If Hock has matured and is a "one to watch" like so many people (Rad's included) say so, then i think he could be a game changer for us. I'm also extremely glad we've got Georgy to go round again, and kept hold of Tommy (although i'm dreading losing him next season).

For me, Goulding, Charnley, Faz, Mossop, Hock, Tuson + Mickey Mac all need to stand up and be counted this year IMO. This is not to say they haven't in previous seasons. But they are making that break from being the young ones, into being the next bread and butter, reliable, week in, week out players like SOL we need.

All in all, i'm buzzin. Can't wait for the season to start now!

[Wes]

Has Shaun Wane got what it takes.

Michael McGuire had the nucleus of a good team that he took to heights even they didn't think they could get to. Second season he brought in 3 top class antipodeans and I for one really expected us to push forward and get at least 2 out of three trophies.

Hoffman, Gleeson, Joel, Deacon and Coley have now gone, with Dudson, Flowers, Gelling and Lauaki replacements. Could be a long summer.

I reckon the main thing he's got in his favour is the fact that he was the youth team coach for so many years and his knowledge of these players may prove pivotal in Wigan's success this year. Hope he's strong enough to make what he believes are the right decisions.

Not having a dig or a pop but heres my 2 pennies worth.

Hoffman, excellent workrate and very consistent - wasnt the best 2nd rower in SL - Hock ,contrary to what people think ofhim, will be far more dangerous on that side of the park, we may lose a little in consistency.

Gleeson, just became a problem, not going to say anything else about that.

Joel, I liked him in the centres and thought he was improving but was always a work in progress - I believe we have enough in Gelling, Goulding and Josh to have a look at in the centres.

Deacon, was class in his day but we only gained a kicking game sometimes and his organisation skills, he was past it last year and finch can organise - Powell and Mellor bring enthusiasm, defence and excitement for the season ahead! BOTH will stand up in my opinion.

Coley, only played half the season and his knees where SHOT! We have the best underrated prop in the comp IMO in Mossop plus Dudson Luaki and Flower are excellent young replacements IMO.

We have bettered our team this year from last, people dont see that and only want us to sign superstars, we will make superstars and continue to do so, Farrell Lockers Rads Edwards even Sam they all start somewhere!!!

Not saying we will clean up this year but I think we will do very well indeed.

[AdamMac]

Has Shaun Wane got what it takes.

Michael McGuire had the nucleus of a good team that he took to heights even they didn't think they could get to. Second season he brought in 3 top class antipodeans and I for one really expected us to push forward and get at least 2 out of three trophies.

Hoffman, Gleeson, Joel, Deacon and Coley have now gone, with Dudson, Flowers, Gelling and Lauaki replacements. Could be a long summer.

I reckon the main thing he's got in his favour is the fact that he was the youth team coach for so many years and his knowledge of these players may prove pivotal in Wigan's success this year. Hope he's strong enough to make what he believes are the right decisions.

Not having a dig or a pop but heres my 2 pennies worth.

Hoffman, excellent workrate and very consistent - wasnt the best 2nd rower in SL - Hock ,contrary to what people think ofhim, will be far more dangerous on that side of the park, we may lose a little in consistency.

Gleeson, just became a problem, not going to say anything else about that.

Joel, I liked him in the centres and thought he was improving but was always a work in progress - I believe we have enough in Gelling, Goulding and Josh to have a look at in the centres.

Deacon, was class in his day but we only gained a kicking game sometimes and his organisation skills, he was past it last year and finch can organise - Powell and Mellor bring enthusiasm, defence and excitement for the season ahead! BOTH will stand up in my opinion.

Coley, only played half the season and his knees where SHOT! We have the best underrated prop in the comp IMO in Mossop plus Dudson Luaki and Flower are excellent young replacements IMO.

We have bettered our team this year from last, people dont see that and only want us to sign superstars, we will make superstars and continue to do so, Farrell Lockers Rads Edwards even Sam they all start somewhere!!!

Not saying we will clean up this year but I think we will do very well indeed.

I agree with everything in the main BUT we will feel the pinch with tommy not being at 9 IMO. Mcilorum needs a big season for us to win the big games IMO. I want to see him commit markers one and two before passing the ball. A quick shift from the PTB makes us to predictable and also makes us far more easy to defend against. H edid this in the grand final but it's not really been seen since.

[missyme65]

We have yet to pass a ball of superleague and the doom merchants are at it already, what is it with Wiganers?
Can we just not get a couple of games under our belt before the hue and cry for scalps begins?