McIlorum and Gelling released

[acwrlfc]

I agree with everything DaveO has said, perfectly put. The reason these Clubs were interested in him as that he proved in the world cup what we could do.

For me its a sad day for the Club and severily weakens us in a key position. Powell is bang average at best and TL one year from retirement, and dare I say it injury prone.

I don't get the thinking, if its down to money, then why did we activate Isa's extra year, why not realise Joel Tomkins, why recently extend MMs contract.

I am now seriously concerned in direction the Club is heading. after the crap last year, whats changed. Tierny, Gregsom, MM, Gelling out plus probably Navaratte and so far an unknown Aussie and Sarge in, plus no assistant coach.

Is it any wonder Season tickets are down.

Last point, Leeds had a mare the season before and there improvement last year down in my opinion to one recruit a top class hooker.

What do we do, move on, not sell, our best (not top class) hooker.

[keptinthedarkfans]

We have a fool of a chairman.

The statement from the clubs says this:

“Following his performance at the Rugby League World Cup several clubs expressed interest in Michael and we agreed that at this stage of his career it was right to allow him to explore his options. Several teams have put forward very favourable offers to Michael and we felt it right not to stand in his way.

“With Sam Powell and Thomas Leuluai both fine Hookers and the encouraging performances of Josh Ganson last season we believe the time has come for Michael to move on and for Wigan to look to the future."

For a start Powell is NOT a fine hooker. He has been played out of position there and offers NO threat. Josh Ganson did nothing to suggest he is first team material and TL, much as I like him as a player, he is the one nearing the end of his career not MM.

Lenegan acknowledged MM put in a fine performance in the WC that you would have thought would have everyone at the club feeling pretty pleased at the prospect of a fully fit MM taking to the field for us in 2018. But what does he do? No sooner does MM look back to his best he gets rid.

If we can't afford to keep hold of or simply do not value players of MM's calbre and experience there is something seriously wrong with the way the clubs run.

Cant agree more re your remark about Lenegan. But micky mac as worked himself a blinder here before WC he was a crock pre WC his brand was top dollar seen this as a last chance to try himself somewhere now getting top money instead of 12 months down line playing lower league. I personally think he has made right choice. And imo will not have to much bearing on us next season. Even with him we are a middle table team at best. I know this will not go down well but Gelling is the player we should have stuck hold of Sarg as a replacement don't make me laugh. Frying pan into fire.

[DaveO]

Personally I have no problem with either of these 2 players leaving.MM is a tough tackling hooker and little else,

You obviously didn't watch any of the world cup then because his performances for Ireland prove otherwise. If he is one dimensional at Wigan, blame Wane and is "tactics". I suspect we will see the other aspects of MM's game he showed for Ireland at Les Cats.

Gelling far too inconsistent.However I have no confidence in IL spending on top class players being brought into the squad.

Well we already have Gellings replacement. Never a fan of his and thought he got away with his inconsistency due to his larking about. Him basically walking out of the club so the club not having to release him and thus pay him off was an unexpected Christmas present but then what does the club do? Contrives to replace him with an even worse player in Sarginson.

As to bringing in a top class replacement for MM well that obviously isn't going to happen. IL has told us we will have to settle for Powell, Ganson and TL. None of whom are as good as MM.

[medlocke]

2016 proved we don't need MM, we played better rugby than we did in 2017, we finished 4 places higher than in 2017, we became Super League Champions unlike in 2017

[thegimble]

Shocking decision.

Could have got rid of Joel Tomkins who has been awful since his return. No give him a contract extension in an area where we are more than covered. We keep TL who sorry is well gone. But he came back so just like Joel is getting paid a decent wage for being crap.

As someone mentioned ISA got his contract extended. Again we will pay 4-5 players from the academy a wage only to let them go as per usual.

Not bothered about Gelling he is an ok centre as is Sarge for SL standards. Which basically means both are poor.

How can we be close to the cap by letting 2 players go and brining in only 1 technically proven player. Something is wrong if we a just promoting Academy players at the expsnse of MM.

The way i am looking at it i am sure IL is cost cutting and saving money. Unless we sign 1 decent player instead of the 2 going then i can not see us making top 4 next season.

Biggest mistake was getting rid of MM and keeping Wane. MM has been poor for us last season but for Ireland was good. This is a joke as is the club atm. Time for a change not only of coach but of Radlinski's job he has responsibility on recruitment just as Wane and IL.

[thegimble]

After speaking with Ian [Lenagan] it was made clear my future was elsewhere and with interest from a couple of clubs it was agreed now was the best time to part company.

Taken for MM on SKYsports

This for me implies IL wanted him out. Rather than him taking the offer IL is lowering the club wage bill for me.

[lucky 13]

In full he doesnt seem to hold any grudges which is good because if you rate him or not you can not deny his effort for the club.
His last line was maybe more apt from the same source ....
"born in Leeds made in Wigan"
I was told we had two players lined up if as was thought FPN was leaving. I wonder if this move is to maybe secure one of those names for this year?

[keptinthedarkfans]

Shocking decision.

Could have got rid of Joel Tomkins who has been awful since his return. No give him a contract extension in an area where we are more than covered. We keep TL who sorry is well gone. But he came back so just like Joel is getting paid a decent wage for being crap.

As someone mentioned ISA got his contract extended. Again we will pay 4-5 players from the academy a wage only to let them go as per usual.

Not bothered about Gelling he is an ok centre as is Sarge for SL standards. Which basically means both are poor.

How can we be close to the cap by letting 2 players go and brining in only 1 technically proven player. Something is wrong if we a just promoting Academy players at the expsnse of MM.

The way i am looking at it i am sure IL is cost cutting and saving money. Unless we sign 1 decent player instead of the 2 going then i can not see us making top 4 next season.

Biggest mistake was getting rid of MM and keeping Wane. MM has been poor for us last season but for Ireland was good. This is a joke as is the club atm. Time for a change not only of coach but of Radlinski's job he has responsibility on recruitment just as Wane and IL.

Although I agree with most of what you say. Don't agree with saying getting rid of mac. This was both parties. After WC clubs came offering mac big money he wanted to talk to them that in itself says he was not completely happy with present situation at Wigan. (who can blame him) Club saw a opening that suited both parties mac had a bit of a wobble hence taking time to decide. imo i think from club prospective writing was on the wall for him the minute he talked to another club. And outcome suits both parties and bollocks to us fans.

[DaveO]

2016 proved we don't need MM, we played better rugby than we did in 2017, we finished 4 places higher than in 2017, we became Super League Champions unlike in 2017

Good grief. What an absolutely ridiculous statement. A five year old would not come out with such daft "logic".

[Wes]

What has MM offered us in the last 2 season on form that Powell hasn’t?

Serious question by the way.