TRANSFER RUMOURS!!

[scrum5]

If we make the assumption tommy is a done deal, who and/or what other signings/positions will dr Dave target?

How about a head coach.....

[Cornerfleg]

Ruckover ... I found my boxers hiding behind a cardboard cut out of Logie ... then I turned my head for a second to see Winker on the telly about McL's press release and WHOOOOOSH off they went again - vapour trail back into that thread ...

[rocky]

LK, I'm strangely drawn to Big-Al's opinion here
I can't see too many top line 10s out there who we could afford. Also I think it is ridiculous for the IRFU to put IH behind Keatley and Madigan. He has his defensive frailties (as does ROG, for example) but he is much more creative than either of them and his game management is streets ahead of theirs. Madigan before Keatley for me by the way.
Also, having seen PJ and JMcK play, I believe they both have more potential than Mssrs Keatley and Madigan and they do need to get game time whenever possible, although that doesn't mean they should be parachuted in for the big matches. But playing consistently in the AIL would be a start, then there are the U20 games and the odd Ravens match still to happen, allegedly.

[Jackie Brown]

Now I'm not as hard core as Big-Al in the play youth stakes BUT I think PJ is good enough now for games like Fridays. IF he is played between Wallace and Pienaar with the latter taking on the kicking duties I have no doubt he would perform.

[The FRU]

As I'm sure you know Jackson is captain of the Ireland U20's and will be out for the duration! Learning to control games against huge (comparatively) English and French packs won't do him any harm.

[stormy]

Well here is my New Coach theory:

DH gets conformation early December 2011 that Dean Richards will take the Ulster job when his ban expires early August 2012.
Dean Richards (13th December 2011) announces in http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=33159
"I have another eight months of the ban to serve but when that's done I'll be straight back.
"I still have ambitions to win more major trophies."
DH tells McGlocks just before the Aironi back to back matches (December 2011) that he will probably not get his contract extended as Head Coach come June and will move sideways to The Academy. McGlocks thinks he can reverse this possibility by winning The Heiney!
Richards is unlikely to be wanted initially by any English clubs and DH moves quietly and quickly to secure his talents. Mutual Benefits!

[scrum5]

According to some players at last night's URSC event, PJ was singled out as a fantastic back as was Paddy Mac for his forward play....

[MightyRearranger]

Well here is my New Coach theory:

DH gets conformation early December 2011 that Dean Richards will take the Ulster job when his ban expires early August 2012.
Dean Richards (13th December 2011) announces in http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=33159
"I have another eight months of the ban to serve but when that's done I'll be straight back.
"I still have ambitions to win more major trophies."
DH tells McGlocks just before the Aironi back to back matches (December 2011) that he will probably not get his contract extended as Head Coach come June and will move sideways to The Academy. McGlocks thinks he can reverse this possibility by winning The Heiney!
Richards is unlikely to be wanted initially by any English clubs and DH moves quietly and quickly to secure his talents. Mutual Benefits!

Dean Richards had crossed my mind as a potential dark horse for the job, although given his history and Leicesters current performances I'm half expecting him to be coaching them next season. He obviously has a bit of baggage, but I reckon he could do a good job of instilling the sort of 'win at any cost' mentality.

Given that the two dominant teams in England are currently coached by irishmen it'd be ironic if an englishmen could guide us to the celtic league next year.

[Jackie Brown]

Dean Richards... no

[MightyRearranger]

Dean Richard... no

On a personal level that's my gut reaction too. Past that though, he is a top coach with a proven track record who I think could probably improve us. The baggage that'd come with him is what could maybe make such a move realistic.

Maybe a better candidate will come up and as I said my suspicion is that Dean Richards will end up at Leicester anyway; but I'd definately take him over having another world wide search which ended with EOS being appointed.

[Jackie Brown]

I would say Humph knows exactly who will be coach next season.

[pip14]

I would say Humph knows exactly who will be coach next season.

Agreed Jackie... .....Graham Henry....cough

[BaggyTrousers]

I'd hope they are looking at Doaky he may be fat and may curse a lot but there are plenty who reckon he is a decent coach. Anyway let he who has never said in a off moment cast the first stone.

Could be a great appointment. Has a attacking philosophy to as far as I know.

[pip14]

Scrap that....
All disappointed now
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/ar ... d=10784362

[Rooster]

Scrap that....
All disappointed now
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/ar ... d=10784362

No big loss, how long did it take to get NZ to win the RWC with him in charge ?