Hmm wouldn't be bothered in the slightest if Williams went. I know it's pie in the sky and some would say star signings are the problem (only if they're the wrong ones) but I'd go all in for Cleary. I know there's no chance but the point is to try and sign one or two senior players who can absolutely drive quality standards throughout the club - because it's certainly not the board or coaching staff likely to do that. Saying that were we to sign Cleary we'd probably give him every other weekend off to see his girlfriend and by the end of his contract he'd have developed a beer-gut, be kicking out on the full with regularity and been dumped by Mary Fowler. 

And your not wrong but right now who is available that would be a good replacement plus if we go to 14 teams next season it gets even tougher to find players.

How old is Ratchford? 

We are discussing the possible signing a front line prop, Vaughan, aged 35 next April on a two year deal. Players fade at very different rates. One year extensions safest for us but you can't always get what you want. I am sure there are some examples of props at that age getting two year deals but there are going to be so many more who won't.

The thing with Vaughan is the situation with his wife. I believe she put her career on hold to come here, signed up for 2 years and extended for another. If she wants to go home, and who could hold that against her, does Vaughan actually see out a two year deal. We could give him the contract, and spend that money on the balance sheet for 2027 but he bail out either in 27, or even in the 26/27 off season, leaving us without a prop and going to the leftover section for a starting prop at short notice. 


The alternative is that we give him a year, with a planned review mid way through 2026 to see how it’s playing out both on form and on the family situation. Then commit to funding another year or progress other options for 2027 rather than be at the back of the queue and over pay in desperation.


I think it’s a sensible move from the club, and a long as both parties are open and honest, acting in good faith, there is no reason why it can’t work for both. Such as a ‘mutual option’ clause for 27 which needs to be triggered by May for example.