^^^^^

This

It's a good deal for Ratch and the club

Seconded. He’s an intelligent guy and I’m sure there’s something in the pipeline to do with assisting the coaching team further down the line.

I wonder if he going to captain the reserves and fill in when there's crisis, as he doesn't merit a shirt in the starting 13 for me.

Bad decision.Past his sell by date.

He'll simply turn in to a Utility player now and we could do muchmuch worse. I've no complaints with this as he more than likely won't play every week from next year. 2 years seems a bit long but i'm not gonna complain.

Debatable but wholly dependent upon the deal and the player's expectation. Two years on marquee money with a guaranteed starting jersey then i might agree but reduced terms and a utility role filling in when and where needed then the decision might not be as bad as you think

No

Could be a lot more to the thinking here than just his playing ability.



If Powell wants to make a point that non-committed players will be shown the door, perhaps he also wants to make a point that commitment to the cause will be rewarded.



Over the next 2.5 years he may be leaning on Ratchford to be a bridge between the coaching staff and players, and use his experience to help blood the younger players.



He may not be a starter anymore in our eyes but he still has plenty to offer.

Absolutely this.

Get rid of the bad apples & we might see a rejuvenated Ratchford. Powell must be happy with his expectations of Stef. Perhaps the cull is what also spurred Philbin to a better start against Hull.

That’s what I was getting at really, been a great servant but 2 years seems a risk. Glad he’s staying though, always been a fan.

I'm glad he is staying, ratchford has never let us down and has played multiple positions well without sulking about being messed around etc. He's still got great utility value and plenty in the tank.

From previous comments it seems Stef may have media ambitions, and given JJB manages to get on air, Stef shouldn’t have any problems going down that route.

Another nail in the coffin for any player considered as "young/youth".

They might as well go elsewhere

i like this deal..... while he isnt the player he was a few years ago, it sends the right message.



powell must believe he can have a positive impact in and around the club.... so while showing he will ruthlessly cut anyone who doesnt have the right professional attitude, he is also showing the other side of his decision making.



Also his versatility means he can cover positions 1,3,4,6,7,9... even 13.... well worth a 2 year reduced contract.

I believe





































hehas been







































I believe he has been offered a role in the commercial team when his playing days are over as well

Catching your breath there, Leslie? Sounds like you typed your inner monologue as you walked up a large set of stairs

Put on a little timber since he stopped playing.

Grizzly bear signs up to rlfans.com





Why the big paws

This from Powell’s press conference today:



DP: "We are losing quite a few players who have been here a number of years.



"Stef was one I didn't want to lose.



"He's a high-quality player who can play in a number of different positions.



"I can see him being our half-back next year and I want him to really grab hold of that role."



Does this confirm no Dufty? What are peoples thoughts?

It means Thewlis to fullback if there is no Dufty.

It means that Dufty will be playing fullback for Wire in 2023.

Very interesting. Seems as though the general board consensus that Stef would most likely drift off into a bench utility role was a bit off the mark. As for Dufty, it would now appear that if he comes to us, it will be as full-back. Not sure where Thewlis fits into any of this, although his new contract suggests that he is obviously a big part of our plans going forward.

My views are as follows:-



Ratchford will help ease Dean, into a regular standoff position in the 1st team hopefully.



Thewlis will play right wing for the duration of Dufty`s contract and then the fullback position will be his, when Dufty leaves.



Obviously, Thewlis will play fullback when Dufty is unavailable.