Quote ="PopTart"I mentioned the troll word. Not specifically at you but equally yours was a post I would have identified as a potential troll.
The thing is, having supported since the 60s, I'm sure you'll agree that there have been bigger issues to get upset about and more than enough in recent times. It just looked a bit strange that you would have such a strong opinion on something like this where a player is being picked out with no real evidence, and to the level that you would create an account to jump on it.
Saying that, its your opinion and you have a right to write. If I caused offense I apologise.
So if I take your post again without thinking you are a troll I would say we clearly still disagree but primarily on the standard of player needed at Wakefield. You say that Leeds didn't want him and imply that we shouldn't either.
In my opinion, all of the current 13 at Leeds would be individually one of the best players in the Wakefield side if they were to come our way so I don't think it is such a bad thing to take someone from their second string. And imho, Bradford are in a more similar position to us than to Leeds so they'd probably be happy too.
Specifically on Smith, I don't think from what I've seen (and I've seen all his games in Wakefield colours) he has suddenly elevated himself to top player at Belle Vue, however what I do see is someone who has the ability and experience to be better than most of what we have. One thing we have lacked and are gradually building are players who can play with Tim Smith.
Its hard for a top player who has played with the best in the world to just fit in with players who are not used to that level of play. Sykes and Smith are two that we would not normally be able to buy but because of recent circumstances for both they found themselves out of favour and looked for us to be their way back. The thing I see with both players is experience of fast skillful play. That doesn't mean they are the best themselves, but having played with the likes of Sinfield and Burrow, and suceeded at that level, Smith is more switched on that most. You can see it in his reactions to things happening on the field. Add to that the big game pressure experience he is quite unique to bring that to our level.
What he lacks is playing time and general fitness. That can easily be put back to normal in an off season. I expect him to be a success next year, and in particular his wide play with Tim Smith's wide ball, and I think he will help draw others to that level too.
I guess time will tell us which one of us is correct.'"
Agree, in the 9 games he played at the end of the season, he did well in imo, especially considering he came in at the back end of the season and he hadn't ever played with the majority of the players, so he did well to slot in. Can't quite get my head around some one saying, if he isn't good enough for Leeds he isn't good enough for us, pretty ridiculous thing to say and tbh some people need a reality check if that's what they believe. He only left Leeds because better players were in front of him and he wasn't getting game time, losing fitness playing for the reserves. Doesn't mean he isn't a good enough player for us, who's offers more value because he's quite versatile. With a full injury free pre-season behind him I reckon he'll have good season for us.
Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but just like those slagging off and booing Tim Smith earlier in the season, this one doesn't make sense either.