Exiles on Main Street
Return of the Goggster?
By Wildwillie
August 24 2011
After months of frustrating close season we are now in a position where we can say: London Welsh visit Headingley Carnegie this coming Sunday in the opening fixture of the 2011-12 season. Hurrah! Whether we will be so chipper after the game is another matter. It was not so long ago that the Exiles came up north and won the opening fixture of the season at Headingley....
London Welsh have an illustrious past and were one of the most feared teams in the land back in the day. Since then there fortunes have waned but they have been building their squad over the last few seasons to the point where everyone expects them to be there or thereabouts when it gets to the business end of the season. There are a couple of familiar faces in their squad - Gordon Ross and Villi Ma'asi now wear the scarlet shirt. Villi will relish the opportunity to pit himself againt Andy Titterrell whilst Goggsy is always capable of flashes of brilliance. We can expect formidable opposition on Sunday. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly be a portent of things to come.
Diccon Edwards will pick his first competitive Leeds side. Does he have many options? Well yes and no. Certain positions, where we lack cover pick themselves so White and Ford to start at halfback. Hooker is a no-brainer & the second row will probably be Denton and Hoeneck. But then props? - MacDonald will not be available leaving Young Denman, Swainston et al. The back row will be an interesting selection. Does he go Burrows, Rowan & Hemmingway or put an old head in at 6 ( Pendlebury!) Is Walker ready to step up to Championship rugby? Much will depend on the backrow this season & the 7 shirt will take some filling.
For once the backs are easier to predict. Scott barrow at 12, Stevie McColl at 15. Stephenson and Blackett should start on the wings leaving the 13 slot for one of the youngsters. Unless he starts Lee Blackett at 13 with Curtis Wilson on the wing. As we are such a new squad it would probably be easier for me to predict the Exiles line-up. That said it is important that Diccon gets it right first time. The kids got blooded at Kingston Park and Rodney Parade. At the Newcastle match it was said that some of the 10 debutants looked a bit nervous before they went out. Understandable but they will have to be at the top of their game when the whistle blows for the kick-off on the 4th.
There is a school of thought that says that the club does not have to win every game in the main season. That it has time to make adjustments and ensure that everything is right for the play-offs. I subscribe to this way of thinking with the proviso that we win our first game. The fans need it as much as the players. The re-assurance that the club is going to be competitive in this league. There are bound to be hiccups along the way so let us start with a win. Who better to do it against than London Welsh?
Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 28/08/2011 12:41
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: John R (IP Logged)
Date: 28/08/2011 21:33
Good piece Willie.
I agree totally with your comments! (You owe me....!)
Up the Carnegie TYKES !
I agree totally with your comments! (You owe me....!)
Up the Carnegie TYKES !
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bobba (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 00:35
Good one WW.
Whilst I do remember our opening game against the Welsh. I also remember our retun game at the Old Deer Park which was possibly the best performance I have seen from a Leeds side. Let's hope we can have that sort of performance from the team on Sunday.
Whilst I do remember our opening game against the Welsh. I also remember our retun game at the Old Deer Park which was possibly the best performance I have seen from a Leeds side. Let's hope we can have that sort of performance from the team on Sunday.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 00:37
A win on Sunday is very important, like you say, for the fans as much as the team if not more so. To get a crowd at home see a victory could have a massive bearing on the remainder of home games.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 09:02
I know the camp is split on this Bran, but I won't lose any sleep if we lose - so long as the hallmarks are there for a more expansive and committed team. We have lots of time to get things right and build a better style of play as well as get the team fully integrated into it.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Mark_C (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 09:34
Oooh - get that camp split......
....I'll get my portmanteau!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
....I'll get my portmanteau!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: exheadingley (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 11:27
Based on players we know we've got got what are the panels view on the team we should put out.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 11:57
soopa, although I agree the aim is to re-gain promotion (yet again) and from that point a win now means little. However, having watched@#$%&for two years, and not seen any pre-season games, a win is vitally important if you expect to have a fan base next year. If the team isn't capeble of winning at home there is little point in gainning promotion.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 12:04
Sadly I don't think the result will have much effect on crowd size - we're already going to be down to the hardcore posse who will turn up regardless and a great win won't improve that much. We'll get crowds coming back if by the play-offs we look good.
Whether the team can or can't win at home is irrelevant - there is every point in promotion regardless (point made ad nauseam)
Whether the team can or can't win at home is irrelevant - there is every point in promotion regardless (point made ad nauseam)
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 12:25
I think Bran is suffering from "Tonkings Syndrome" i.e. he is sick of seeing his team getting soundly thrashed every week.
The other aspect of win/lose the first game is psychological on the other teams in the division. A good home win will make other teams a little twitchy when they come up here later on.
The other aspect of win/lose the first game is psychological on the other teams in the division. A good home win will make other teams a little twitchy when they come up here later on.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 12:32
I would hope that over the course of the season we'll all get relief from "Tonkings" syndrome!
Winning the first game is better than losing it to be sure, but I still think many will judge the nature of the peformance as much as the result given it's a whole new look team.
Not too sure one result will send seismic shock waves through the world of rugby. I expect the big teams in this division will be up for our games whatever happens on opening day.
Winning the first game is better than losing it to be sure, but I still think many will judge the nature of the peformance as much as the result given it's a whole new look team.
Not too sure one result will send seismic shock waves through the world of rugby. I expect the big teams in this division will be up for our games whatever happens on opening day.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: oopnorth (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 12:46
Anyone know a team improved by losing its matches ?
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 13:09
Regarding a first win, my mate has been paying on the gate since we first gained promotion, for the last 2 years he hasn't shown up after the first home game all season. Now I may be a syndrome in some peoples eyes, but I know if we'd had a chance in any of those games he would have parted with £20.00+ every home game, but maybe you know him better than me- I'll be sure to introduce you if I can persuade him to return to headingley.
Our fan base may be low, but thats because we dont win games at home. Winning is the everything, and winning thrilling games away does jack to help your home fan base grow. The team from a mental point needs a victory at HC against LW. I agree a loss will not be the end of the world, but it will confirm to every team in the championship what they already believe- they can beat leeds at HC, so Leeds away is almost a certainty.
As oopnorth stated, "Anyone know a team improved by losing its matches ?"
I thought a team needed a winning mentality also.
What I dont want to hear is how we can take many positives out of a loss. Because for about 5 years now thats all I've heard and guess what the only positive is we lost our best players every year and our fan base dropped, ohh and we can't get anymore sponsors... maybe I don't understand what a positive is.
Leeds NEED a win.
Our fan base may be low, but thats because we dont win games at home. Winning is the everything, and winning thrilling games away does jack to help your home fan base grow. The team from a mental point needs a victory at HC against LW. I agree a loss will not be the end of the world, but it will confirm to every team in the championship what they already believe- they can beat leeds at HC, so Leeds away is almost a certainty.
As oopnorth stated, "Anyone know a team improved by losing its matches ?"
I thought a team needed a winning mentality also.
What I dont want to hear is how we can take many positives out of a loss. Because for about 5 years now thats all I've heard and guess what the only positive is we lost our best players every year and our fan base dropped, ohh and we can't get anymore sponsors... maybe I don't understand what a positive is.
Leeds NEED a win.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 14:35
Statement of the obvious that teams prefer wins Oop. That's a different argument to "we have to win or we're all doomed".
A league season is a marathon, not a sprint (ever heard that one?). I accept entirely that a win is preferable to a loss.
HOWEVER
I'm not persuaded that in a season where we field a new side and have to finish 8th out of 12 by February that Leeds NEED a win against London Welsh.
This smacks to me of desperation.
People who buy a ticket for the first game of the season and then don't come back are NOT what a club can build a fan base around.
We lost our first game under Lanny and still went up.
So many posters say there's no point in going up if we don't have the right framework for the Premiership and yet want results over performance in a first game....
Doesn't make any sense to me. Ask the great generals if they would rather win the battle or the war.
A league season is a marathon, not a sprint (ever heard that one?). I accept entirely that a win is preferable to a loss.
HOWEVER
I'm not persuaded that in a season where we field a new side and have to finish 8th out of 12 by February that Leeds NEED a win against London Welsh.
This smacks to me of desperation.
People who buy a ticket for the first game of the season and then don't come back are NOT what a club can build a fan base around.
We lost our first game under Lanny and still went up.
So many posters say there's no point in going up if we don't have the right framework for the Premiership and yet want results over performance in a first game....
Doesn't make any sense to me. Ask the great generals if they would rather win the battle or the war.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 16:26
soopa, I understand your point, and understand from a financial point if leeds don't go up we are up the creak without a paddle, so from the big picture the end of the season which is now a play off is ALL that matters. However if we are to send out a message that we are good enough, and really if we can not win most if not all of our home games, WE ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH to gain promotion. Also, if we can't win almost all home games we don't deserve to gain promotion.
Unfortunatley fans want to see their team win, that means the game at headingley has to be won. I would rather loose the next 3/4 games and have a win at HC first game then loose at HC. Ex got a good run at the start of the season by surprising other teams, htey were dropping off towards the end. We need that first win in order to keep interest and start momentum. It is very important., and in my opinion, due to no home pre-season games, more so for the people who pay to watch.
Unfortunatley fans want to see their team win, that means the game at headingley has to be won. I would rather loose the next 3/4 games and have a win at HC first game then loose at HC. Ex got a good run at the start of the season by surprising other teams, htey were dropping off towards the end. We need that first win in order to keep interest and start momentum. It is very important., and in my opinion, due to no home pre-season games, more so for the people who pay to watch.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 16:58
We all have our views and long live all of us who care. I agree a win would be a great advert, but only as long as it comes about in the right way, a way which spells future success.
I don't give a monkey's cuss how we get promoted as long as we do - it's all about the future of the club for me and god knows we need the financial support!!!
Obviously you'll have to join Mark C in sharing a beer with me while we debate such issues!
I don't give a monkey's cuss how we get promoted as long as we do - it's all about the future of the club for me and god knows we need the financial support!!!
Obviously you'll have to join Mark C in sharing a beer with me while we debate such issues!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Mark_C (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 17:19
Maybe have to run to a second pint!!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 17:31
I’m not sure I’m cut out for all this drinking lark!
I start a new job next Monday, and am having a leaving do Friday night, I could still be hung over come Sunday yet!
25 years in my chosen profession and I'm having a complete career change.
I start a new job next Monday, and am having a leaving do Friday night, I could still be hung over come Sunday yet!
25 years in my chosen profession and I'm having a complete career change.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Zandra LaPoI (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 17:35
Wow, that's brave!
Good luck!
Zandra YaPoI
YaPoI - Yorkshire and Proud of It
'proficiscor in una'
Good luck!
Zandra YaPoI
YaPoI - Yorkshire and Proud of It
'proficiscor in una'
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 18:14
Thanks, I might need it, but I have got to try and hope it works out, far better then not to try and always wonder what if...
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 18:35
Quote:Bran
Thanks, I might need it, but I have got to try and hope it works out, far better then not to try and always wonder what if...
I did it twelve months ago & have never been happier!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: SoopaLeeds (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 18:35
best of luck mate.
doesn't alter your duty to debate your opinions properly over a pint.
doesn't alter your duty to debate your opinions properly over a pint.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Mark_C (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 18:50
Good Luck Bran!
Always better to attempt than wonder, mate!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Always better to attempt than wonder, mate!
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 20:26
i too think it is important to top the table ready for the play offs, i wouldnt like to lose more that 4 games or so
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Selby Kev (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 20:56
Will miss the match on Sunday....going on hols to Wales! Desperately need to get away...family funeral this week..granny Sue....difficult time.We do take life for granted so much!If i sound a bit depressed..its probably cos i am!'....live in the Zen lane...savour every minute!
Anyway, looking forward to an 'uplifting' season with leeds...starting on Sunday and starting again for me at Rotheram next week. Tend to agree with Bran. We need teams to fear us before the play offs. Success breeds confidence...and you cant just switch on when its needed...winning has to be a HABIT...and if we win convincingly most of the time then we will stand a chance WHEN we go back up.This season is about two things....winning the Championship and preparing for the Premiership. we need to get very good very quickly. Wishing the lads and all you nervous fans a flying good start on sunday!!!!!Come on ye Tykes!!!
Anyway, looking forward to an 'uplifting' season with leeds...starting on Sunday and starting again for me at Rotheram next week. Tend to agree with Bran. We need teams to fear us before the play offs. Success breeds confidence...and you cant just switch on when its needed...winning has to be a HABIT...and if we win convincingly most of the time then we will stand a chance WHEN we go back up.This season is about two things....winning the Championship and preparing for the Premiership. we need to get very good very quickly. Wishing the lads and all you nervous fans a flying good start on sunday!!!!!Come on ye Tykes!!!
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: ellishicks (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 21:21
Completely agree with you Bran and good luck.
We've always needed to make a good start and normally failed which explains why we're where we are. New kit new team let's make it a new effort from the stands too.
We've always needed to make a good start and normally failed which explains why we're where we are. New kit new team let's make it a new effort from the stands too.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 29/08/2011 21:49
if/ when the team shows a performance the crowd will rise. I don't know how long many of you have watched so the most recent example is the game against LI last season at HC. The second half performance was awsome, and so was the crowd. I hope the youngster's get a taste for the passion that HC stadium has always been renowned for. If they perform we will make it a hostile place for away teams. Thats what's needed some real passion on and off the field. Then I fel the team will take care of itself. Leeds rugby union has been dormant and reserved for far too long, time for passion. (ohh and a drink or two)
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Gelbel (IP Logged)
Date: 30/08/2011 13:13
I agree with all that Bran has said - and we have to lay down a maker for the season by winning on Sunday.
And good luck in the new job - my first full week in my new one is celebrated by getting the 05:30 train to London on Monday morning. Can't meet the new boss (I did not have an interview and she & I only chatted on the phone about the role) and team with a hangover can I!
I shall make up for it all at the Bris game on 18 September.
And good luck in the new job - my first full week in my new one is celebrated by getting the 05:30 train to London on Monday morning. Can't meet the new boss (I did not have an interview and she & I only chatted on the phone about the role) and team with a hangover can I!
I shall make up for it all at the Bris game on 18 September.
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 30/08/2011 14:18
The game will be well over by 5pm, you have plenty of time to recover by then. It seems like ages since my girlfriend came home to find me asleep after a game. I'm looking forward to it, wonder if she is??
Re: Exiles on Main Street
Posted by: Timofe (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2011 23:12
We need to at least run them close, but wins would keep the non-season-ticket-holders coming back and that's the only way to build the crowd base. A thrashing will certainly stop people coming again.
So, to those who draw on the Leeds shirt for their first competitive game: the best of luck. To those who've done it many times before: keep positive and to those in the stands: don't get too disheartened if it looks like things are unravelling a bit.
Remember to smile and let's make some noise!
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
So, to those who draw on the Leeds shirt for their first competitive game: the best of luck. To those who've done it many times before: keep positive and to those in the stands: don't get too disheartened if it looks like things are unravelling a bit.
Remember to smile and let's make some noise!
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
Sorry, you do not have permission to post/reply in this forum.