Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
Phuzzy wrote:I think a few people are responding to this as if he was being signed as a starter. He isn't. As a squad player for extra cover, particularly in the halves, it makes a lot of sense. He's good quality with a good skillset and lots of experience. Still only 28 too.
My only concerns would be regarding his injury and that Astley still gets adequate game time. Other than that, a solid signing.
Exactly. It’s like Manchester United recently signing a goalkeeper and some fans blew up and opposition fans took the mick. He was signed as third choice and will probably never play, so why get eat up? Cap space being taken up maybe, but it’ll be minimal and we clearly have room.
If we lose a winger, Miski comes in, a centre and Thornley comes in (when fit), a halfback and Field probably moves from fullback and French goes there and the same if Field goes down. There’s no saying he’ll jump above guys like Eckersley or Astley either, especially if they get first chance and do well. It’s just a nice comfort blanket to have and saves you potentially ruining a kid who is too young and has to play every week during an injury crisis.
Joined: Jul 15 2008 Posts: 3003 Location: God's little acre
sergeant pepper wrote:I agree with that, but at the same time he's got plenty of stuff going for him at FB too (pace, hands etc). You'd be hard pressed to find a 3rd choice FB who's as competent as Hampshire.
As cover/competition for HB along with the majority of posters I think that it is a reasonable signing for the squad. When he played in the academy I thought he could become a real star but unfortunately, it was not to be. I agree as a few have said with him him being a goal kicker is a big plus for the club and for him it could be the "golden ticket" to get some 1st team action.
As a FB I'd play young Sumner before him. Much more accomplished and he is a FB. Not knocking Hampshire just do not see him as a FB in any capacity other than 4th choice in an emergency.
My only potential reservation with his signing is that I hope young Astley doesn't see his arris and become unsettled. Hopefully it has the opposite effect and Astley strives even harder for 1st team opportunities.
In summary a reasonable and understandable move by the club that I suspect is low in cost and risk on the assumption that his current injury isn't detremental to his undoubted pace.
Rogues Gallery wrote:Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
I take it Brian that the big news has yet to materialise?
Rogues Gallery wrote:Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
Rogues Gallery wrote:Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
I’ve just been reading that and it’s good to hear that they felt he was playing really well pre injury. Some weird comments about his rehab having been organised by Cas meaning some are saying he’s a snake for leaving. Cas didn’t want to pay an injured player, so took the risk he’d leave. I read an article were they openly admitted they’d like to keep him should he prove his fitness but if you want him enough, you take the gamble. We’ve done just that because he won’t be fully fit for another couple of months and who knows how he comes back.
Rogues Gallery wrote:Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing.
I’ve just been reading that and it’s good to hear that they felt he was playing really well pre injury. Some weird comments about his rehab having been organised by Cas meaning some are saying he’s a snake for leaving. Cas didn’t want to pay an injured player, so took the risk he’d leave. I read an article were they openly admitted they’d like to keep him should he prove his fitness but if you want him enough, you take the gamble. We’ve done just that because he won’t be fully fit for another couple of months and who knows how he comes back.
jonh wrote:Cas made him an offer but it was a very low one.
Which would seem like they’ve tried to hedge their bets a little due to the circumstances. I can’t really blame them but the Cas fans shouldn’t be bashing the lad for not taking any offer at all. I doubt ours is offering him a fortune but I guess he feels like there is some unfinished here.
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