Player signings thread - Sheffield...

[Doom]

I was hoping for some new superstar, but as a quick replacement I've no issue with Watling.

He has loads of skill, is popular, brings enthusiasm and possibly most important.....he wants to be here.

It will probably take him a few weeks to get fully match fit, but he strikes me as someone who is naturally fit.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

Injuries did him in a bit last year. He'll need a few games to get the sharpness back but if he's kept himself fit (likely), it might have done him a lot of good to have the time off.

Knows the systems, natural skills for days, and known personality in the dressing room.

I'm quite happy with this

I'm happy with this news too, wasn't it Watling who played with his stick taped to his arm because of an injury?

I assume that's the game where we're 2 zip down against the Giants and Watling scores a hatty and could hardly hold his stick.

For all the skill, he'll go to the wall and then some for the team.

[Jayboy]

For me this is excellent news..He is a definite no for the weekend games, but very hopeful for the Boxing day game as his first back, 4th line to start with and moving up the lines after that depending of his level of fitness and getting his actual game fitness back... Very very keen to come home, (his words) and leaving the team was not a hockey decision, the injuries he had and played through just needed more time to heal than he had... took up an offer outside of hockey that worked out well and with their blessing can return to Sheffield...30+ games left to play in our season, he cant wait to get back to his second family... wants to be back in Sheffield were he belongs..

https://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/pat ... ming-home/

[Keith Sheppard]

I'm happy with this news too, wasn't it Watling who played with his stick taped to his arm because of an injury?

I assume that's the game where we're 2 zip down against the Giants and Watling scores a hatty and could hardly hold his stick.

For all the skill, he'll go to the wall and then some for the team.

Yes, that was the game I was thinking about, to think how he put himself through the pain barrier to play, in comparison to the kid who went on strike! Give me a player with that kind of spirit any day of the week.

[MLL79]

Great news I feel - let’s hope he’s recovered from the injuries with the time off, otherwise it could be a fall flat move. Given his agreement you would have to think he feels himself as though he’s healthy enough. In fact, if he has a healthy run you never know about next year too…

One thing is for sure - he will need looking after better than he has been. To be honest I couldn’t believe he came back for a second season following the level of rough treatment that went unanswered/undefended in his first year. Tansey/Heard/etc need to be on the job of policing things or it could be a short return.

I had thought tempting one of the retirees out could be a way forward but was thinking Simpson or Champs - never thought Watling would consider it!

[Doom]

I was just looking back at our lines in the grandslam season. During the Christmas period when we were outstanding, the lines against Nottinghsm were:

Juusola/Watling/Neumann
Balmas/Dowd/Vally
Ciampini/Simpson/Allen
Shudra/Whistle/Nicholls

I wouldn't mind seeing something like those top two lines again.

I think Tait would be the perfect replacement for Neumann, because they both rely on speed.

That 2nd line is tougher, because we don't really have a direct replacement for Vallly. I'd say Jasper is probably the closest, but he always plays left wing, meaning Balmas would switch to the right.

3rd line could be Harper/Heard/Tremblay, with one of Tansey, Gentile or Southorn playing 4th.

Regards

Doom

[mark]

I was hoping for some new superstar, but as a quick replacement I've no issue with Watling.

He has loads of skill, is popular, brings enthusiasm and possibly most important.....he wants to be here.

It will probably take him a few weeks to get fully match fit, but he strikes me as someone who is naturally fit.

Regards

Doom

Yeah a superstar would be nice but in terms of a one quick phone call to bring in a replacement who knows all the systems, loves the club and is also an upgrade on the departed player I can't fault it.

[Brian]

Watling had a quality that has been difficult to replace. He has flair, great stick handling and can turn on a sixpence. Hope he still has this as he would make a great foil for Harper or Dowd.
Looking forward to the reception that he will get at the arena!