NickyKiss wrote:I've always thought 2010 would be an acid test for Noble, Lenagan and the club in general because thats the season the majority of what i'd call 'deadwood' is off contract and should have left the club. To me given the fact that theres no relegation this year we should use this season as a way of bedding in a few youngsters to get used to the bigtime intime for us having a good pop at a trophy next year.
That would be allowing Noble 4 1/2 seasons to get the team playing.
The problem I have is that in the meantime the team fails to live up to its billing. That has got to be down to the coach.
We have seen good players come and go who were swimming against the tide (Barrett) or not used properly e.g. Calderwood. So there have been missed opportunities under Noble as well.
The team should IMO be doing better than it is regardless of the "deadwood". As far I as I know the only legacy contracts will be Fielden's, Bailey's and TL's and the majority of our current squad were signed under Noble or had contracts renewed under Noble. Are we really excusing Noble based on the salaries of three players?
Quote:Aslong as Noble continues to give youth it's chance this season as and when they deserve it and doesn't blame them for all our failings i'll be happy enough to see him in charge beyond this season.
I'm not 100% sure that will be the case though.
I have always said he will get this season regardless but still believe youth has only got it's chance under Noble by accident rather then design. Nothing has changed my view on either subject this season. Yes OK he dropped Smith for Tomkins but I think he would have been sacked by now had he not done so, so it isn't enough to convince me has has turned over a new leaf as regards player selection.
Dave