- ANDY Farrell used to solve all Wigan's problems. That's what my players told me when I sat them down for a meeting.
What we had was just like a counselling session. The guys sat in a circle and I told them to 'say what you think'.
They talked after record defeats at Leeds and Saints and were hurting.
It wasn't a bitching session. They interacted, I listened, sat back and took notes.
We enjoyed a positive meeting. It was needed, much good came from it and, boy, was it a relief to see a smile back on my players' faces after a return to winning ways at Leigh.
This was always going to be a cauldron. And, with Farrell, Terry O'Connor, Craig Smith and Adrian Lamb having moved on, we now need new on-field leaders.
The players admitted these guys have been missed. Name me a team who wouldn't miss them.
Now we have to look at talented lads like Danny Tickle taking on a leaders' mantle.
Danny has tremendous ability, he's only 23 and don't forget he already has six years' Super League experience under his belt. I rate him very highly.
I want to make it clear I'm not looking to unload any players.
Kris Radlinski has been linked with a move to rugby union, but we should know today just what is happening. There is a very good chance that he could well be staying in rugby league.
Brian Carney, who picked up a hamstring injury against Leigh, will be going to Australia in 2007 but, if he goes next year, it's in the hands of his agent and we need to be kept informed.
Whatever happens, we will continue to recruit top-class players. Bryan Fletcher is a fine player, Pat Richards is skilful and I'm tipping young Kiwi star Iafeta Paleassina to become a cult figure at Wigan.
I'm delighted to have landed this fellow and there'll be more as we plan for the future. - I'M A big football fan and have been followign Malcolm Glazer's takeover at United with interest.
Every club needs moneymen behind them and this is why Chelsea won the Premiership.
You need a balance though. And, having a man of Sir Bobby Charlton's stature in the baordroom is vital to United.
No money can buy this kind of expertise and experience.
My former club, Saints had Eric Ashton, that wonderful ambassador for the game, as a director and I have the utmost respect for him. - WATCHING the lions lose again to the All Blacks smacked of a team not picked on form.
They were very much second best and i wonder if Sir Clive Woodward has his mind on other areas, notably his move into football. - LET'S kick off my new column by putting the record straight on my nickname - Basil.
It's stick since I was 12 when I used to have really thick red hair and once, when combing it , a mate back home said "we're going to call you Basil Brush."
Down Under, everyone apart from my mum, partner, and the kids call me Basil. Now, I suppose, I'll have to get used to it from you Poms, too!
Basil at large
July 05, 2005
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