I think Cullen's problem was not knowing how to handle some players. When Smith came in he got rid of Gleeson and imo that sent the message through the squad that woke them up and made them work. The players new from that point that if they didn't try to achieve then he would bring players in that would.

I don't know whether Cullen tried to do the same or not, maybe he did but was not supported by the board.

When Smith came into Warrington I imagine that Cullen would've been watching events closely and may well have learnt a few things that he can use at Widnes. He could well prove to be a success at Widnes if they got a franchise.

personaly i think he came back to warrington to early as he still knew some of the players from before he left so never had/got that manager player relationship because as the years went on then the 'friendships' continued

yes he took us as far as he could at the time

yes i would have him back as no.1 in the future "never say never"

also don't think he had a free rain to run the team as he wanted

Is that double Challenge Cup winning John Kear? I'm not a huge fan but you can't knock him for that in comparison with PC.

No issue with PC being a good "servant" just don't think he is as good as coaching as you do. Loss of form in the final 2 seasons, did you not watch us in 2004?

2006,
play off win,
wallpaper,
cracks

Yes, that would also be the John Kear who had plenty of time and failed to make any improvement whatsoever to Huddersfield. He has had just as many poor results and seasons as other coaches, but credit where due he has had some excellent cup results.



I think Cullen is a solid coach, and I have not disputed anything that has said Cullen took us as far as he was able to while at the helm. What I have said is that a lot of the vitriol aimed at Cullen by certain members of our fanbase is unwarranted, and frankly disgusting.

I was honestly embarrassed to be associated with the section of Warrington fans during Cullen's final months in charge.



Yes I did, I also watched us in 2005 when we finished 4th. We were inconsistent under Cullen there is no doubt about it, but as I said, I have not once said I think Cullen is a league winning coach, I just think you lot are being extremely harsh with your comments about him.

Cullen had 5 full seasons with us, of these you could say 2 were good (2003 and 2005), where we outperformed expectations, and 3 were disappointments (2004, 2006 and 2007) where we didn't live up to expectations. Like Cat says the playoff win in 2006 papered over cracks, we were a long way down on our 2005 form.

I thought Cullen's reign peaked on the day when we beat Leeds on Andrew Johns' debut. It had been a hot glorious summer, England won the Ashes, we played some fantastic rugby through those summer months and had some memorable wins, we got the best player in the world on board, we were the toast of the media and Wolfware was rammed with people buying Johns merchandise. That was the high point of the Cullen era and it seemed like we were within range of winning the Grand Final.

When Hull beat us in that playoff at home it was a watershed, we only had one more "high" under Cullen which was the playoff win at Leeds, other than that it was general disappointment. After that Hull defeat the club lost its way for the best part of four years, IMO the point at which we found our way again was the win at Bradford last year.