That's assuming he didn't bet against the market and stick a million on us finishing 11th. He's very clever you know. He's probably made multiple times over what he's put into the club.

Good question. I had in mind that we'd finish between 5th and 7th this season, so anything better than that I'm treating as a bonus. That was all on the basis of how poor we were last season, and a high turn around of playing personnel going out and coming in. Next season, being DP's third, will carry a greater weight of expectation where silverware is concerned. A trophy is required by the end of 2024, otherwise on the bare facts, he will have underachieved in comparison to SP. Whether were in a better place going forward after three years of DP, that's more than a bit difficult to say in March 2023.

He’s signed a new contract has George. Also Walker and Vaughan.

And Ashton I believe - getting worried about Clark though

My guess is that we have spent Clark's salary on George Williams and have therefore extended Walker's contract. Clark has been a great buy (£185K if I remember correctly), but he is not getting any younger and StH was probably prepared to offer him a hefty wage to see him through to retirement.

That's all guesswork and speculation mind you.

Excellent.

That would be my guess as well. We probably consider McGuire able to jump into 9 if needed and Powell (I could be wrong) seems to have preferred 80 minute hookers in the past. It's probably the wise move but it's going to sting seeing him in a Saints shirt if that's where he ends up.

Clark almost always came off the bench to 9 under DP.

Paying Williams more won’t count against the salary cap as he is a marquee player, so Clark’s salary has been spent elsewhere if he is not retained.

Absolutely, beat me to it.

Massive this. Williams is arguably SL's best player so absolutely fantastic news. Nice one Lord Tony Smith.