Indeed it was. And, if through choice they chose to do so, then I'd despair.

But I feel sure that the only reason the club made an announcement now was because the Aussies - or Caisley (wonder how much he made on the deal?) - or whoever - was making it clear that their side was intent on announcing it now anyway. Indeed, it had been so widely leaked that the club was surely forced to respond. And after all, it was people on here and elsewhere that were clamouring for an announcement from the club?

My guess is that the club is mightily pîssed off that they have been forced into announcing Sam going before they could couple it with better news. But thats my guess.

Can't speak for others, but in my own case not so. My frustration with ME is for his incessant pounding-on about what he believes is wrong (although he went much quieter on the "its all Macca's fault" monologue once we started winning again, and now "its all Hood's fault" - teadlady's turn coming up) but never making realistic suggestions about how to fix it.

Anyone can do that. And its the perogative of fans to always complain about things they are not happy with anyway.

But in my opinion, the more extensive and the more forceful the complaining, the more the responsibility to suggest some practicable answers. Otherwise, you face the increasing likelihood of been told to put up or shut up. That is where ME differs from most other complainers on here. The more he complains, the relatively less he offers by way of practicable alternatives. Compare and contrast with someone like you, who tries to offer some balance and reasoning and (like most of us) understands that you cannot look at issues like this in black and white terms - because its in many shades of grey.

And yes, I am as frustrated as the next man at the current situation, and at the lack of positive news. But I would like to think I am responsible and adult enough to recognise that it is possible the club feel exactly the same, and that maybe they are exasperated at being held hostage to events. The next few weeks will give the proof or the lie to this. I'd prefer to keep most of my powder dry until then.

But woe betide if, after a decent period, nothing remains forthcoming.

Leon Pryce to return to the Bulls (you heard it here first) announced after saints are knocked out by Wigan...













Wishfull thinking over

If he does his usual disappearing act when playing at 6 in an important game we'll do well to find him.

thats easy out in the centres or stood just behing the play the ball where he wont get it passed to him

Er, I was quoting Hood, and the issue was actually WHETHER AND HOW MUCH MONEY Souths had offered rather than whether at any point in the last decade any chats had taken place as you well know.

If you say Hood was lying, well, that's up to you. But it's just your opinion, based on zilch.

Did the deal happen to occur between you posting the above and the announcement the club made on their website an hour or so later? Given you suggest that was the ONLY WAY it could have happened.

Was Hood lying or not?

Are you incapable of writing anything that isn't semantically tortured to satisfy your own vain sense of self-righteousness or... oh hang on I already know the answer to that

=redLet's keep stuff civil - af Regardless of whtever vitriol you want to sling my way, Hood said he had not heard from Souths, so either he's a liar, or he hadn't, and a price was agreed after he made his statement. Why it would upset you so much to say this, only you can say. But there's no reason why a price could not have been agreed in a short space of time. The Bulls would obviously have already known how much they would be prepared to accept.

[urlhttp://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-league/Pressure-is-no-problem-as.5689672.jp[/url

There's a get out obviously, but...

In this particular case, ME has suggested a ludicrous, underpants gnome course of action, been roundly hammered for it and quite right too.

Right then all you who alleged Sam is off because of (variously) disaffection with the club, coach, prospects, tealady...whatever. Does the above ring a bit like an inconvenient truth?

There's a good chance that Bradford's discussions were through an intermediary (Caisley??) and that the hadn't spoken to Souths.

From the press reports leading up to this there were several options. It sounds to me that Caisley was touting Sam around based on his get out clause. Souths came back and said they'd like aquicker deal and what would it cost.

Pure speculation of course but in that way Hood didn't lie and FA was not wrong in his assertion although talks will have taken place.

Anyone suggesting that is a bit daft. Burgess played a big part in getting Nick Scruton to sign for you guys.

That's the second time in the last two days I've seen SB say that SMN has been a massive influence on him. Funny how he doesn't say if it was a massive "positive" influence? Maybe I'm being mischievous...



For anyone who doubts the current Bulls hierarchy, once SB had made it known that he wanted to leave then it's all about maximising his value. If it is a £200k settlement, that's good work by the Hood for what amounted to a 1 year contract.

I'm not upset about what Hood said, I'm sure he knew and chose not to say and that's how he conducts these things, rightly or wrongly. I'm also resigned to Sam going to Souths, I'd rather he stayed obviously, but there's good reason to let him go.

It's more the hilarity of your approach to anyone who dares suggest something you disagree with, the dismissive and often aggressive way in which you respond. I know you take pleasure in endless feuding and living up to your ironic title of being 'ferocious' so it amuses me that you get so upset when someone pokes you back.

The fact of the matter is that you trusted what Hood said, understandably, you tore a strip of someone for suggesting otherwise, and then the club pulled the rug out from under you by announcing Sam was leaving. I think we both know that the club wasn't being entirely open about what was going on - that's business, but if you want to believe they agreed a price in a couple of hours yesterday afternoon, then good for you.

That's been common knowledge for years.

Some people pay far too much attention to whats written in the press. What did you honestly expect him to say get real.

I might well agree with that

and I have no brief to defend ME, but my point was given the situation, missing the playoffs, declining crowds, selling arguably the best player, letting a good proportion of the playing rota leave, it's hardly surprising people are a touch upset. Most of them of course don't come on to message boards they just fail to renew season tickets, or don't bother turning up.

Is it me or are you suggesting ME is condoning certain 'acts' with small bearded gentlemen?

As I said...an inconvenient truth for some whose agenda it fails to suit.

And its hard to argue with a word of that.

And especially the fundamental truth of that last sentence.

What that Warrington were manouvering to offer 400K for him?

Dave Craven is a bitter prick. Was he banished from reporting from the Bulls because there's some real bitter stuff in there.

He's a sh!!t journo anyhow.