I don't think Salford were gonna be changed into 'world beaters' overnight.
2 (obvious) Top signings, Tim Smith is quality also, Meli Morley etc.
One step at a time, Salford won't finish 'next to bottom of SL' next season, that's for sure. Top coach in Brian Noble, top 8 finish ???

Contracts go both ways though, so just because you don't need Hodgson, doesn't mean he has to go, why should he if he can't get an equal/better deal elsewhere? He's entered into that contract as much as Warrington so there is no reason why either party should not stick to the terms of it.

Contracts are only worth what somebody is prepared to pay to get the other party out of it, be it Salford (signing Ratchford) or Warrington (releasing Hodgson early)

I fully agree, though I think in RL, the players show a lot more loyalty to a contract than in football - At this point in time, I can't honestly see Ratchford being sold to Salford, however much money you were to offer. Its not like Wire need the cash and I don't think Ratchford would push for a move, however much he supposedly loves Salford.

There's still a chance we could finish bottom so let's have a touch of realism, we're not gonna be signing superstars yet. What we have signed is a number of good solid players with SL experience. Also by signing players from teams in the lower half we have weakened them too. Should move us a few rungs up the ladder which has gotta be the first goal.

Hodgson has reportedly asked for an early release to play for a club closer to his home in Huddersfield.

As for Ratchford, he signed an extension to 2016. If he chose to return to Salford and handed in a transfer request then maybe Moran would consider it, but he definitely doesn't need the money.