I'm saying Agar has started getting more out of the side, and that has coincided with his neck being on the block.

And if you think two years being average followed by 6 good games deserves a new contract for Dowes then that's a fairly flimsy argument in my opinion.

I can't be bothered.

Where did I say he deserved a new contract?

You can't be bothered because you can't deny the improvements did coincide with his job being precarious, those two things are facts Paul.

And it read like you were suggesting Dowes was worth a new contract, are you saying he isn't?

No I can't be bothered. There were improvements last season and again for certain games this season. Sometimes teams just hit form, it's like you're saying Agar could have done this at anytime but only just chose to do it now. Which is rubbish.

Not sure, would look for a better option but it depends who is available and at what price.

we ended up stuck with him and Radford because of that very argument the closed season just gone.

Dowes was awesome when he came back from that training thingy he went on, he really ripped it up, tbf to Dowes it is only this season which he started quietly but so did most of the team, he is doing well and IF he continues to improve he is worth another year at the right price imo

even if that price is hindering the development of Aldus?

Stuck with Radders

....Watch the game more closely when Radders plays, he is one of the main cogs when he is on the pitch, he makes good yards and tackles well, he still has it.

Nothing is hindering Aldus, when he is ready he will play, he played well against Oldham not sure he is ready to face Peacock, Morley, Carvell etc just yet...his time will come. Forwards tend to break through later than backs.

we've established you watch a different game to me previously, fair enough about Aldus.

No I do not watch at different game...I watch a game differently to you. Compare his stats to other forwards and you may understand the value of Radders!!
Also unlike you it is not just this season I have watched this team, I must say considering you have only been watching this season you look a complete pr@t implying others watch a different game to you though

It's also coincided with our best run of injuries in years and the acquisition of additional quality in the halves and backs.

I honestly don't believe that Agar has not been trying hard enough over the years, and I can't see what he might be doing differently now just because of the additional pressure. It's more likely to be a combination of circumstances TBH.

Nevertheless we would not have signed him if we'd been able to land all the players we were targeting in the closed season. Hence we're 'stuck' with him.

A player a lot of SL side's would not mind being stuck with though



What get my goat is most do not see the amount of work he does in both offence & defence, they just expect tackle busts when in reality most forwards do not achieve that on many occasions in a match.

Radford offers a lot to the side and has been good this season so far. Dowes on current from is worth keeping but I would like to see what options there are before commiting to a deal. One thing is for certain, if Dowes leaves he will easily get another deal in SL.

so to repeat your own question, to replace whom at present exactly ??

I agree

Sorry to keep picking out your statements but I think the corolation between Ewan and paul is a million miles apart, Paul liked a drink more than most that is true however Ewan is a body perfect sort of player along the lines of Craig , he eats the correct items and supplements and does not indulge often in the drinking gang...
My opinion is that Ewan has never been an outstanding player but by that i mean he does all the ugly stuff like lee and it goes un noticed but his work ethic is exemplary by any means, but I have to say his commitment can never be questioned ever because he is 110% commited to the job in hand, his own rise in form went hand in hand with the teams rise in form and now there is better ball available more often you now see Ewan running better lines, harder and more often..
At present he deserves another year, if there is a player deserves a testimonial its ewan..
Never going to be GB, never going to run the full length of the field but will ALWAYS give 100% just like Radford!!

Many SL clubs would be happy to have Lee for a year or two if he left FC and thats a fact, like Ewan he is a workhorse exemplary, and you are right he makes decent yardage too...
some folk have dificulty seeing this through the radio you see. however those that see it week in week out can see his worth.
Is Lee worth another year?? Yes definately
another two ??? No

How can keeping Dowes hinder Aldous??

great post

well said, too easy for some to knock whom they dont understand...

having experienced players such as dowes and radders ect will only help but i would like to see a few of the young forwards get a bit of game time every week giving them a taste of first team and seeing where they are in there development

Thanks but it is true, the thing many have missed here is this..
The more involved and aquainted Sam has become with Horne and the squad it is clear to see how much more imput he has on the direction of our game week in week out, now he is familiar with everyone and knows their strengths etc you now see the likes of dowes etc runnig better lines and getting much better ball , which in the past sadly we have lacked for a while.
as i said back when he signed, Sam Obst will become a class act at FC, he is bringing out the best in everyone because he is himself a severely under rated fella , his enthusiasm is second to non and his view of the game is excellent... possibly the best signing for some time and then add that to Gleeson arriving and Yeamans rise in form ..
do the math

These kids know their place in the squad and are very level headed kids indeed, their time will come my friend as we all know a SL season will naturally open doors as injuries come along..
Next year i would like to see and expect to see both of those, Jack, Ben and Big Pearce have a run on ocassion as they develop with full time contracts...
SL pros nowadays eat some kids alive and kill their confidence so lets ease them in slowly and smartly as we are doing..