James McDonnell

[cherry toffee]

Your right about resigning Isa coming back to bite us, especially when you consider the fact that he could be holding two players back, McDonnell at second row and Hallsall at centre as he seems to be first choice cover for both positions

[pedro]

So Isa does well and keeps out a youngster who obviously isn't quite ready yet and fans are complaining, so I'm thinking to myself surely the coaches know best, or does that excuse only count when defending Sam Powell

who said hes not ready? hes played before...

[pedro]

I don't disagree but that is not a reason for letting James go.

but it is a reason to not try and match massive, very good bids

No but who says he has received a very good offer. This is where the deal for Isa is coming back to bite. I prefer the type of thinking that it is far more preferable to retain good young up and coming players rather than extending contracts of players who are in the later stages of their careers.

It will be interesting to read what supporters say if James becomes a top player at another SL club.

cos Wire and Leeds have form for it...

[medlocke]

So Isa does well and keeps out a youngster who obviously isn't quite ready yet and fans are complaining, so I'm thinking to myself surely the coaches know best, or does that excuse only count when defending Sam Powell

who said hes not ready? hes played before...

but he hasn't played again

[pedro]

So Isa does well and keeps out a youngster who obviously isn't quite ready yet and fans are complaining, so I'm thinking to myself surely the coaches know best, or does that excuse only count when defending Sam Powell

who said hes not ready? hes played before...

but he hasn't played again

before Friday he'd play the same as Isa hadnt he?

[widdenoldboy]

Managing the youth players into the first team is tricky, I think its just a bit more tricky at Wigan coz we go for the very best - maybe other clubs have the same issues?

Its also tricky for the coach, he plays several youngsters and loses then gets slated for it.
But O'Neil must be wondering now as Powell will be 1st choice for a couple more years, same for Halsall and McDonnell/Nicholson with Isa being the go to replacement. Once Smithies, Thornley and KPP are back the opportunities will be even more limited.

[Charriots Offiah]

but it is a reason to not try and match massive, very good bids

No but who says he has received a very good offer. This is where the deal for Isa is coming back to bite. I prefer the type of thinking that it is far more preferable to retain good young up and coming players rather than extending contracts of players who are in the later stages of their careers.

It will be interesting to read what supporters say if James becomes a top player at another SL club.

cos Wire and Leeds have form for it...

Where is the evidence that either club has offered him a big deal? It is just supposition.

[Dan2266]

He’s staying at Wigan.

[josie andrews]

He’s staying at Wigan.

Great stuff

[pedro]

No but who says he has received a very good offer. This is where the deal for Isa is coming back to bite. I prefer the type of thinking that it is far more preferable to retain good young up and coming players rather than extending contracts of players who are in the later stages of their careers.

It will be interesting to read what supporters say if James becomes a top player at another SL club.

cos Wire and Leeds have form for it...

Where is the evidence that either club has offered him a big deal? It is just supposition.

where is evidence that anything has happened? If there was evidence it wouldnt be in the rumour mill