I agree. Plenty of stronger rumours than this in the past that never materialised.

I imagine after an initial purge of expenditure to attract the crowds and keep us in SL, the club will (should) be looking for 'better value for money' players and not pay over the odds. People have said they wouldn't waste a quota spot on Holdsworth, but really its down to what sort of wages he's demanding.

Yeah, I think this year's recruitment will be interesting. Are we shooting for the stars or going for stability?

Here's my stability team:

Briscoe, Fox, Welham, C. Hall (Hull), Colbon, Holdsworth (Reds), Dobson/Finch, Clinton, Hodgson, Vella, Newton, Walker, Murrell.
Bench: Lovegrove, Watts, Netherton, Fisher.
Others in contention/reserve Cockayne, Cook, I'anson, Ratu, Wheeldon, Taylor and other homegrown youngsters. Maybe G. Horne for utility.
Out: (Cooke), Galea, Webster, Mills.

Alright, it isn't what we'd ideally want, but it'd make a dent in the deficit, if that were the priority.

I think that has to be your priority and Hudge has said the same. I also wouldnt be surprised of Dobbo did leave if you only brought Holdsworth in and didnt replace the 7. Maybe Spaven/I'anson or someone like that could get some game time for a year which would take another 100k out of the deficit.

No you need a good player for every position and leaving a pivotal position like that empty is whats been our downfall this year. I'm not bothered about big names, I'd rather have good quality hardworking players than 'stars' only tempted here by the pay packet.

We're only short at 6 so if we address that and replace those that leave with good players rather than big names, I'll be more than happy.

It's a balance - you don't want to get stuck in a downward spiral. IMO that crosses the line from what Rovers fans can still retain a level of relative optimism about, into a cause for Hull fans to be 'optimistic' and Rovers fans not to renew season passes.
If we suddenly have to go to break even next year - something only Hull managed last time, I think - then I'd look somewhere else to make savings than halfback. Or at least not try to make all the remaining savings there. I doubt, without pretending to know, that any cuts will be that immediate and swingeing. We'll see.

Hall would be on a good bit less than Webster. Holdsworth on less than Cooke. Then you've got Mills and Galea's wages and a reduction for Walker.

All fair points.

Holdsworth signs 3 year deal at Salford: http://reds.originalreddevils.com/2010/06/01/reds-secure-prized-holdsworth-signature/

Holdsworth signs 3 year deal at Salford: http://reds.originalreddevils.com/2010/06/01/reds-secure-prized-holdsworth-signature/

That's that then, who's next

Can I be the 1st to say that we never really wanted him anyway, and that he's vastly over-rated?

Good work by his agent though!