Uppo58 wrote:I'm not an advocate of sacking Radford. I agree that for 2 seasons our performances have not been acceptable, with some massive defeats and a record equalling run of defeats. It doesn't read well.
However, Pearson has listened to Radfords plan, offloaded heavily and replaced with what looks like some great new recruits. So having been given the baton, Radford has to be given the chance to run with it. The first game showed that this team can play, and yet despite a narrow win against a good Rovers, the few injuries that we've suffered seem to really rock us, which questions our strength in depth I suppose, particularly when key men are out. The performance against Catalans is the worrying one for me, in that we had the game won with 20mins to go. So Radfords game plan can work and we were good for 60 mins and looked like we'd go on to score more points. The massive issue for me is more about the mental strength of the squad as a whole. Its an absolutely critical factor. Thinking a game is won before it actually is has become a habit at Hull FC. Whereas champion teams in that position squeeze the foot on the throat even harder.
But because teams know we are weak mentally, teams feel they are never beaten with Hull FC. They always feel they can come back at us. We give them that belief because ours is so weak, time after time. Its real and present. Its becoming our trademark.
So, because it is clearly a collective problem the responsibility ultimately is Radfords to eradicate this softness that is part of our team make-up. If he can instil a mental strength, where the team think and behave as one, often lead by a captains inspiration and his ability to demand bodies are on the line, then we can really do something. Because I do believe we have the talent to still have a great season.
But there has to be a huge mindset change, there has to be a change of captain, there has to be a feeling of oneness on the pitch and a willingness to defend every gain line with total controlled ferocity.
If we can do that, because Radfords is able to instil that missing, never-say-die killer instinct into his team then we can quickly recreate our early optimism. But if he can't I would give him 10 matches, and if he cant rectify our quite pathetic mental strength that incredibly just cannot last for 80 mins. he'll be gone.
That's a good balanced post.
We are going in circles now. I aren't happy with Radford in charge, I could reel off all of the things I want to see us improve (on and off the field), but it's been done to death now. He isn't going to be going anywhere just yet, so let's see what the next month brings with a nice fixture list and a close to full strength team. Pearson isn't stupid, if we aren't performing to an acceptable level then he will act sooner or later.
Uppo58 wrote:I'm not an advocate of sacking Radford. I agree that for 2 seasons our performances have not been acceptable, with some massive defeats and a record equalling run of defeats. It doesn't read well.
However, Pearson has listened to Radfords plan, offloaded heavily and replaced with what looks like some great new recruits. So having been given the baton, Radford has to be given the chance to run with it. The first game showed that this team can play, and yet despite a narrow win against a good Rovers, the few injuries that we've suffered seem to really rock us, which questions our strength in depth I suppose, particularly when key men are out. The performance against Catalans is the worrying one for me, in that we had the game won with 20mins to go. So Radfords game plan can work and we were good for 60 mins and looked like we'd go on to score more points. The massive issue for me is more about the mental strength of the squad as a whole. Its an absolutely critical factor. Thinking a game is won before it actually is has become a habit at Hull FC. Whereas champion teams in that position squeeze the foot on the throat even harder.
But because teams know we are weak mentally, teams feel they are never beaten with Hull FC. They always feel they can come back at us. We give them that belief because ours is so weak, time after time. Its real and present. Its becoming our trademark.
So, because it is clearly a collective problem the responsibility ultimately is Radfords to eradicate this softness that is part of our team make-up. If he can instil a mental strength, where the team think and behave as one, often lead by a captains inspiration and his ability to demand bodies are on the line, then we can really do something. Because I do believe we have the talent to still have a great season.
But there has to be a huge mindset change, there has to be a change of captain, there has to be a feeling of oneness on the pitch and a willingness to defend every gain line with total controlled ferocity.
If we can do that, because Radfords is able to instil that missing, never-say-die killer instinct into his team then we can quickly recreate our early optimism. But if he can't I would give him 10 matches, and if he cant rectify our quite pathetic mental strength that incredibly just cannot last for 80 mins. he'll be gone.
It's a good post but I disagree with two of your conclusions.
1. Your argument about Radford assembling the squad meaning he has to be given more time. That argument works with signings of the type that Powell and Watson often make, misfits and rough diamonds that they polish up into something much better, a new coach might come in and see nothing in them at all. FC though have got a great squad that any good coach should be able to work with.
2. The expectation that Radford might somehow bring about a huge change in mindset and mental strength. The bloke has been there seven years and hasn't managed it yet. I don't see how there can be any reasonable expectation that he's going to do it now. In fact he's far more likely to be a cause of the mental fragility than a cure for it.
Joined: Jan 11 2005 Posts: 3905 Location: West Hull
TheSmokingVicar wrote:It's a good post but I disagree with two of your conclusions.
1. Your argument about Radford assembling the squad meaning he has to be given more time. That argument works with signings of the type that Powell and Watson often make, misfits and rough diamonds that they polish up into something much better, a new coach might come in and see nothing in them at all. FC though have got a great squad that any good coach should be able to work with.
2. The expectation that Radford might somehow bring about a huge change in mindset and mental strength. The bloke has been there seven years and hasn't managed it yet. I don't see how there can be any reasonable expectation that he's going to do it now. In fact he's far more likely to be a cause of the mental fragility than a cure for it.
Joined: Aug 01 2005 Posts: 5908 Location: Definately not in the Cuddle Crew
Dave K. wrote:Decision needs yo be made soon, if Radford stays fully expect Shaul and Houghton to get 3 year contracts whilst losing Jake Connor.
Tbh i wouldnt lost too much sleep if we lost Connor. He should be a starting centre but then that means he takes either Tui or Griffins spot and that would be unfair. Hes not an half back but thinks he is - somethings got to give
Sebasteeno wrote:Tbh i wouldnt lost too much sleep if we lost Connor. He should be a starting centre but then that means he takes either Tui or Griffins spot and that would be unfair. Hes not an half back but thinks he is - somethings got to give
Connor showed in less than 1 half of rugby on Sunday what a great centre he is. I would have thought we would have defended that right edge better in that last 20 too if hed stayed on the field. Imo our best back line is fonua, Griffin, connor and ratu. I like Carlos but connor edges it for me because of what he can do with ball in hand. Carlos Carrie's the ball out of defence way better though and connor doesnt usually bother
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