Smithers99 wrote:Which of the current squad would we be certain would NOT consider playing for London in the Championship next season?
I think a lot would consider staying (partly because they played here last season). A few who would stay unless they got offered an SL opportunity.
Not many I'd think would be a definite no.
Whilst I'd guess the likes of Kennedy and Kershaw may want to stay in the SL, would they get a chance. Kennedy may struggle to get a Quota position and if a Winger isn't first choice he's probably spending many weekends watching matches.
Despite the results and struggles, this Plough Lane summer break the team have performed better than the previous two "first half seasons" in Wimbledon. Generally they are a team I enjoy watching if the two teams are relatively equal. The two Hull matches being the primary (only) examples. Even the second half against Hull KR was relatively enjoyable, there being the massive caveat they started that half nearly 50 points behind.
I'd like to watch a Championship season where London looked competitive against all opposition even if in reality a Wakefield or similar were too much for them on the day. Retaining a large number of the current squad would help that, although the starting point of everybody out of contract in October is not a good place to start from.
On the field the team have learnt a lot. Will was keeping the team focused (in the pre-conversion huddles) even when the scoreline was becoming embarassing against Hull KR, and the result was a competitive second half.
Off the field there a lots of issues. But the club have got bodies into the ground and in fairness the hospitality side of things looks reasonable, especially as a percentage of the crowd. How they build on those attendances is key and we shouldn't forget there are currently a high number of SL away fans in attendance.
Whether there is a viable business strategy I'm not so sure, but I do see glimmers of hope.
Kershaw will definitely be off. As will Rourke. I can see Storey going but I’d make a case for him sticking around for another season IIRC he’ s moved around rather more than he should at so early a stage in his career and a further one at Broncos may do his long term career good. Kennedy I don’t know where he go, perhaps back to Aus.
Of the rest- Campo has made little impact and the injury has probably put paid to Waine’ s hopes of a solid SL team.I’d guess they’ll both leave by their choice or ours. The rest - well truthfully have any done enough to attract the attention of a bottom end SL team? I’m not sure and under Eccles I don’t think players will throw their toys out of the pram and join Batley etc so I think they could all stay. The only exception is Parata. He’s of an age now, has played SL and may decide it’s sensible to stick to his day job.
One thing is for sure, unlike other teams we have shown no signs yet of recruiting anyone new so let’s hope we do retain a few. From the outside it seems like our recruitment policy has been a shambles for a few years although I accept that is unlikely to be quite so catastrophic as 2022.
