Name: Matt Smith
1 - How did you rate your side's 2009 performance?
Better than expected! Along with all the hidings there were some great results, Leeds away the obvious highlight. Some of the youngsters really came of age and showed their undoubted potential and overall we finished where expected.
2 - Who are the key players for you?
Apart from hugely talented youngsters like Adamson & Ratchford (who are both full England Internationals in the making) I'm expecting big things from our Aussie imports. Cashmere showed enough last year to suggest he'll be even better with a years SL experience behind him and from what I've seen of Houldsworth in pre-season I reckon he could be one of our best ever imports. We really need the pack to fire though this year as without the forward momentum our (arguably improved) back-line will be unable to show their potential.
3 - Young star to watch?
Can I have Ratchford & Adamson? Both fantastic talents and we need to keep hold of them to progress. TBH, I can't remember the last time we had so much young "potential" in the squad. If half of the youngsters turn into good SL players we could have a pretty handy team in 4/5 years.
4 - Player you would most like to get rid of?
Very harsh question
I'm not one for slagging off my own players but ask me again in a couple of months and I'll probably have a couple of names for you
5 - What is the opinion of Shaun McRae?
If you ask most fans they'll probably say he's a waste of space, poor tactics etc. However, we've got to be realistic. We don't have money to throw around like W*re, Leeds etc so we've got to strengthen slowly but surely. If I would have one criticism it would be about the style of play. I'd rather see us lose with style than lose by playing one man rugby!
6 - Which game are you most looking forward to this year?
Any that we win! It's a double-edged sword this one. I hate W*re with a passion so it's always good to get one over on them. However, with the squad they're putting together we may struggle to get anything off them this year. I'll say W*re away and Les Cats away purely for the fact that although we'll likely get stuffed twice they'll be mighty fine p*ss-ups
7 - Who is your most hated opposition player and why?
Tough one. I used to have a long list, Skerrett & Nickle were certainly near the top! I'd have to go with Senior though becasue let's face it he's a right........... (* deleted for legal reasons
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8 - Have you been happy with your transfer activity for 2010?
Again, ask me mid-season and you might get a different response. On our budget, I don't think we can argue with the players we've brought in. Houldsworth could be a massive influence and some of the British youngsters we're giving 2nd chances to may turn out to be master strokes. I'd rather take a punt on young Leeds/Saints cast-offs than p*ss money up the wall on overpaid Aussies.
9 - How much will the club miss Richie Myler this season?
He's a quality player and any Salford fan that says differently is one-eyed and bitter. I was gutted to see him go but money talks so we've just got to move on. Potentially, Salford could've had the future England HB pairing with him and Stef and he could've been part of the most important era in the club's history. If he runs us ragged when we play W*re I'd be gutted, but that's sods law I'm afraid. But teams like Salford have to be just that a "team." Back in 05-06 we reached the play-offs due to a fantastic squad effort and although I think we may just unearth a couple of gems this year it'll be a real 1-17 squad effort that defines our season.
10 - Season prediction? eg where will you finish and how do you think you will perform?
12th/13th. The Crusaders should be propping up the table but there's always someone else who unexpectedly struggles and hopefully it won't be us! No doubt we'll give the fans some massive highs and suicide-inducing lows along the way as that is what being a Salford fan is all about! If we can compete on a regular basis and we see the stadium issue turn into bricks and mortar then I'll be happy.
I do like to drone on every now and again so if you're still awake after all that best of luck with your research.
