If Neeld had come on board and maintained the status quo of a bad game plan, horrible culture and list that no longer reflected the direction the game had taken, in the name of incremental, short term improvement, I would have been and would be extremely disappointed.

Neeld had the courage to make the tough calls, under extreme pressure, in the knowledge that some short term pain was necessary for long term gain.

Agree completely that the improved output this year of several key players and the club in general will be a key indicator that we're headed down the right path, but I don't think analysis of last year are all that relevant to where we want to get to longer term.

Rightly or wrongly, what I like about Neeld is that I get the impression he has a premiership or bust mentality. He won't die wondering and he won't be satisfied by hanging around the top 8 or even on the fringes of the top 4 to justify his job.

Bailey seemed to think hard work involved bringing a group of talented individuals together and the rest would take care of itself, clearly that didn't work out so well. I couldn't be more pleased that Neeld has set off in the opposite direction, even though last year was almost unbearable to watch.

Anyone know how Byrnes calf has pulled up? I hope he has not got the "old man's" calf curse already.

Anyone know how Byrnes calf has pulled up? I hope he has not got the "old man's" calf curse already.

OUCH that hurts

just coming back from a strained calf myself. Had to put up with all the calls of "OldMans etc" (which was true coz I am) But I was quick to respond that its the mark of a "finely tuned high performance athlete.. Can you please treat my ego at least a little sympathetically.

OUCH that hurts

just coming back from a strained calf myself. Had to put up with all the calls of "OldMans etc" (which was true coz I am) But I was quick to respond that its the mark of a "finely tuned high performance athlete.. Can you please treat my ego at least a little sympathetically.

Mate "old man" too, fit as I've been in ages yet can go for 1 run every 2-3 weeks because of the 'finely tuned muscles'.