Scottish duo join Tykes

New Boys
By Mally (on 01/07/02)
July 1 2002

As Leeds Tykes began their pre-season training, they revealed their latest signings. The latest pair to join Tykes have received a somewhat mixed reaction from the fans.

Gordon Ross and Stewart Campbell, both Scottish internationals, are the latest recruits to join the Tykes in their bid to improve on last season's bottom place finish in the Zurich Premiership.

Gordon Ross

24 year old Gordon Ross is an up and coming fly-half, who has just returned from Scotland's summer tour. Ross should provide both back-up to Braam Van Straaten and flexibility in the back row. Phil Davies now has the option of playing Van Straaten at 12, with Ross being able to take the fly-half berth previously occupied by Steve Bachop.

Stewart Campbell

Stewart Campbell has 17 Scottish caps, his last international appearance being in 1998. The 30 year old, who joins Tykes from Italian club Benetton Trevisio, should compliment Tom Palmer and his experience will certainly be an asset to the pack.

The fans reactions

Neither player is a bad signing, however the fans reactions so far have been somewhat muted. However as our Saints visitor Broonie was quick to point out on our Message Board, Ross is a "good investment... a real points machine" and Stewart Campbell is "a a tough nut, likes his tackling, gets about and does his stuff in the air".

So not big name stars but they should fit well into the Tykes set up. Many fans I'm sure agree with Richie that "our best players from last year were not the 'big name signings". Yes Braam Van Straaten and Japie Mulder did their bit, but the stars of last season were Scarbrough, Shelley and Benton.

Why the muted reaction?

It's simple, the numbers don't add up yet. At the last count Tykes have only 28 players in the squad. The fans' concern is that we do not have the depth in certain areas to survive the season, especially if a key player should be injured. Remember how much we missed Scott Benton last season?

We've had rumours that the squad for next season will number 30, in which case there should be 2 more players joining us.

On the whole the fans are not bothered about signing big stars, as Yorky puts it:

"At least we have not signed a crocked - end of career southern hemsphere pension hunter. Remember the unknown Dan Parks looked like a whippet but I would have (him) back tommorow - great rugby brain."

Who's next?

What Tykes need are players who will fit into the team ethos that Phil Davies has built at Headingley. Tykes caused a few upsets last season not by the star performances of a few big names, but by working together as a team. Obviously having a certain pair of Springboks on the pitch is a definite advantage, however it worked because Mulder and Van Straaten are as determined and as hardworking as the rest of the squad.

From what I've read about them, Ross and Campbell should fit right in and as such we should welcome them to Leeds. I for one am looking forward to seeing them play. Roll on August 30th!