Inevitable unfortunately. I for one think this is a backward step for the club. If Rhys Evans/Williams (Ben's a forward...) is going to be hammering the door down for a starting number 1 spot in the next two years it makes no difference if Hodgson or Mathers is FB. Mathers has been excellent in recent months whereas Hodgson has dropped in intensity & form. Great teams go from season to season with very little change (Wigan, Leeds, Saints all have consistency in squads through the years), whereas this just smacks of change for changes sake.

Mathers incidentally comes across in interviews he does as a very smart young man devoted to his wife & daughter and I am sure whether he stays in League or crosses to the dark side he will be doing it with his family at the forefront of his thoughts and for that I applaud him. Good luck Richie & thanks - a fitting send off would be as Harry Sunderland winner in October but for your efforts for Wire in 2 of your 3 spells here, you owe us absolutely nothing.

As you referenced Evans, maybe it is perceived that Hodgson would be a good mentor for him bearing in mind he knows this will be his final contract.

Compare and contrast this to Mathers, who has a comfortable five plus years to play and would be looking to keep the position his own.

What would you have...

a) Mathers stay, Play a part and be a number 2 too hodgson for 2 years and learn from him. (is he a great)
b) Spit his dummy out and go find a new team...


What strikes me is that we had money in the salary cap too have both hodgson and mathers for the next 2 years...

Sad to see him. Very level headed individual, and could maybe been a good stand off.
Was certainly dedicated and a stabilised.

How things have changed since he laid out Matt King.

Always gave 100% for me though.

Mathers to stay and not bother signing Hodgson...

Yeah but he played for Wigan then!

I'd agree with that too. The only plus that Hodgson has above Mathers at the minute is his goalkicking.

Hodgson might be going through a crap spell, but make NO mistake about who is the better player in this debate. Aged 33 or 43, Hodgson is the better alround player, and by all accounts Jordan Burke looks pretty damn talented in the reserves.

feel sorry for him. dont know whether i would have mathers or hodgson

rm for mine...

Hodgson without a doubt BUT id like to keep Mathers at Wire. Just offer the lad 2 years! No doubt Hodgson will get injured,and if he doesnt mathers could be a good utility back.

Are you and Wembley winners sharing the same computer?? i only ask because whenever one of you post the other replies within minutes on every thread!! or the most likely answer is that your the same person.

no mate just get to know each other over this and we talk on same threads

I would imagine Mathers would have been offered a small contract when Smith gave him the chance to resurrect his career... Mathers has taken that chance and has rebuilt has career to the point that he probably feels he is worth more than his current contract is paying (and his new contract is offering), justified by the fact that he has probably received offers from other SL clubs that are paying more than we are offering... so you can hardly blame him for moving on (not that anyone is).

would be missed by the team

Can you not walk over and talk to each other in the class room, or are you going to get shouted at.

you know, talking to people, in virtual, reality.

ey im at college ey...no work today ?

tony pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease remove the playschool crew.

Mathers' form recently has been very good and I actually wasn't 'enthralled' at Hodgson's announcement. The only factor that keeps me remotely enthused in this Mathers leaving/Hodgson joining us situation is the fact that Hodgson has played at the highest levels during his career. And his form this season, despite being very mediocre by his standards, I'm pretty sure will not be replicated during his debut season with us.

Just a shame Brett isn't just a little younger.

think brett knows he has got 1st team place at wire so doesn't need to impress. anyoine thought he doesn't want to get injured as it may fault his move here

Really sorry to hear Mather is going , yes he does make mistakes but so does other players but his enthusiasm makes up for it. He is brilliant at rallying the troops, Good luck with what ever you do .