Quote ="Eastern Wildcat"Pretty much agree there Pop Tart. I do believe and buy into the "continuity breeds success". I think you only have to look at the clubs that have been successful, and most seasons, they don't tend to make too many changes to their squads.
I also agree that the players that do come in, are seen as more than just squad fillers, especially in Williams case. We lost Miller for 2 months earlier this year.
If we are to bring a player in, they need to be game ready, by round one.
As much as it is nice to know we have two very young half backs waiting in the wings, and that the long term future looks pretty good in that position, it would be unfair I think to pin our hopes on them at this stage, in the here and now, especially when neither has played a competitive first team game.
To me, Hampshire would fit that bill. Has played there, at this level. and has had some good reviews, from some fans, including some, of what is, to be fair a club, that has been more successful than us, in recent years. What did he play, about 35 games in 3 years at Wigan. He has lost his way a litle bit since 2015, but is still very young.
Also, with his more recent games in the backs, could even cover there too. We have 8 backs to cover wing, centre and full back, which should be enough, but you never know if you get hit with a long injury list, but the experience is there if it were ever needed. At the end of the day Gibson wasn't actually replaced, and now Massive has also gone.'"
I agree to an extent but you have to be careful.
Continuity can sometimes become complacency. It a horrible expression but the dead Wood has to be removed regularity and new blood needs bringing in.
Personality aside there fact is players have a shelf life and in some cases it's short. I can think of a couple of squad members who I think are getting close to that. I won't name them and it's only my opinion fwiw.
I think there will be a few this season who won't maintain last seasons form which is why who we sign and promote is so important.
