The Speculator:

I think that when we appoint our next head coach - whenever that might be - our directors first need to acknowledge the sheer scale of the task, and understand the experience and strength of character required to tackle it. It's a job that breaks coaches. Instead of pretending that we are still a big player in Super League, the directors need to be completely open and honest about the inherent problems facing this club, and appoint a coach who can put forward a convincing, detailed strategy for meeting those challenges. Stop being starstruck by big names, stop looking for quick fixes, stop thinking that social media clicks are more important than turnstile clicks. I usually try to remain level-headed and optimistic about Wire, but it is pretty difficult to be that way at the moment. I am genuinely worried about the future of the club, because I sense we are approaching a tipping point where a lot of long-time fans have just about had enough and are drifting away in disillusionment. I'm not talking about the usual "that's it, I've had it with Wire" that comes in the heat of the moment after most bad defeats. I am referring to that sad realisation, when game day comes around, that you'd probably rather do something else with your time than watch Wire and be let down again. That's when it gets serious. I think there was a cautious sense of optimism when Burgess took over, but here we are again, down among the deadbeats and with uncertainty and rumours abounding. As for easyWire's question, I would say that McNamara is a coach of the right calibre and experience, so I wouldn't be upset if he was 'next man up', as Burgess used to say. But whoever it is, we really need to get the appointment right this time. The consequences of botching it again don't bear thinking about.