viewtopic.php?f=28&t=561313&start=20 The title says it all. It's like being back in the early 90's listening to some of them.

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=561313&start=20 The title says it all. It's like being back in the early 90's listening to some of them.

The first post is a gag and the rest mainly say how Wire will be challenging as will Saints but we're confident enough in our squad to think we'll challenge as well.

Hardly arrogance, just being realistic.

There is saying you'll challenge and then people confidently predicting you'll win the double again and suggesting they'll be surprised if you don't win anything. Arrogant.

Eastbourne Warrior put up a pretty good assessment of the top 5 or 6

Personally I think Wigan will struggle next year. They've signed a few alright players but nothing special, Bowen aside, who realistically is only going to be there for a year or two for a fat pay cheque. After 2014, I can see Charnley and Green leaving too, so pretty much the core of the team will have changed in a 2 year period. I think this could be transition time for Wigan.

The pack is pretty stable, young and very strong in depth.
Wigan have both England Knights half backs (aged 20) and both England academy halfbacks (aged 1icon_cool.gif
The left wing replacement for Richards will be interesting as I see three players Gelling, Burgess and Manfredi all challenging for it. Burgess is a prolific try scorer at academy level and about 6'4", very pacey and can certainly challenge in the air. Manfredi is more in the Charnley mode, a very strong and elusive runner.

The position that worries me a little is fullback, I'm not convinced about Tierney but Hampshire may move there anyway.

I'm also looking forward to seeing if Oliver Gildart continues to progress as along with Saints Percival he is the best centre prospect I have seen for quite a while, but he is very young (17)

If you want arrogance (or stupidity, take your pick) try this from the Wire site.

We have been in transition for the past 4 years. Its annoying that we can't keep a squad together unlike leeds and warrington but the structures are in place for it just another sign of good management i guess.

Why mention youth? Your now a buying club. Most players you get now are bought.

Why have such a great youth system and then go and spend few hundred grand on players each year ?

as a saints fan you should know what happens when you don't add quality and experience to youth. Burned out injured and low confidence usually ruins a career of young players.

I'm not against buying players at all if you can afford it. I wish saints would. Just don't spout off what great youth system you have then buy Smith, Green, Taylor, Bateman etc

Taylor and Bateman have massive potential and would be stupid not to get them, green and smith had to come or we would of have 18-20 year olds playing in the half's and would of probably set them back in development. Green is off after next season and powell, hampshire or williams will be his replacement and bowen is here for a year and will be replaced by either tierny or hampshire.

i get your point that we don't have a squad full of wigan developed players but its hardly the point rogues is trying to make either.