So what is Wayne Smiths game plan?

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By Ajack
July 13 2002

One thing that nobody seems to have picked on yet is what will Smudgers game plan be? There have been many posts on whom we should sign and whom we would like but I am sure Smudgers choices will be to fit in with a style of play.

Until now he has only been able to “tweak” what is already there, both in terms of style of play and personal. I expect to see a different style of play next year at the gardens, with far greater emphasise on ball retention and speed. The idea being to stretch the opposition and then have the “weapons” to finish off at a given opportunity. The nearest we have come to that was the second twenty minutes against Newcastle in the cup.

If you look at the way the Crusaders play now (and did play under Smudger) everything is based around ball retention, speed in attack and a solid defence, allowing field position to be a major point both in attack and defence. This is the reason I believe Joe was allowed to go, his defence was not good enough and he did not play well to a game plan. I feel the same applies (more or less) to all that have left during the summer with the exception of Ollie.

For the reasons stated above I do not expect to see a direct replacement for Ollie i.e. a big ball carrier in tight quarters but a more mobile lock/ back row in the style of Tim, Chris Jack or Ben Kay (although obviously not these individuals).

I will be amazed if we do not sign a new 10 (anyone care for a bet?) as to me this is the most important position on the pitch and for reasons I have stated before I do not believe Larry is top notch these days. I think (and hope) that Ripol will bring some much needed pace in the back three, but would still expect to see another addition in this area.

Finally it would not surprise me to see a few of the “big names” spending more time than they wish on the bench if they fail to fit in to Smudgers game plan. Sorry for drifting off to the whom should we sign debate again, my point is I expect to see a very different style of play next season and the new comers being brought in to achieve this.

Okay shoot me down.