A thread doing the rounds on social media saying three or four key tigers may be given releases? Anybody heard anything?
This dissention and possibly disintegration, IMO, goes back to the signing of Blair (this is not having a go at Blair, more those responsible for the signing) . The tiges let go two pretty good forwards to get him, in Gibbs and Fifita, some will say so what. I don't know much about Fifita but Gibbs was part of the social fabric of the club, sometimes certain players are valuable as much for what they bring to the team in terms of character, rather than just the football.
The same can be said for coaches, tactics are important, but the ability to influence people and relationships is just as important. Take Bennett and his ability to turn around wayward players.
This problem was exacerbated with the loss of Ryan and Heighington both popular with team mates, Ryan was playing well, as well as being a character and Heighno, although his best days were over, gave 100% and was a great team man. Both were probably very important in team politics. Both appeared to be level headed and I suspect able to quell or at least temper clashes in personality among other players. I think Gareth Ellis may also have been a calming influence.
It seems to me that people at the top failed to properly gauge the effect on team culture when letting some pretty loyal characters leave the club. The fact that the club let these guys go in less then agreeable terms also points to the club preaching, but not practicing loyalty. Who wants to bust their arse every weekend when chances are you can't rely on at least some loyalty from your club.
The seeds you sow, so you shall reap.
