I'd agree with you pal that the size of Roberts' contract is what keeps him in the first team but from the outside looking in I don't like the way that's done. The big criticism of Ainscough is his defence, but I've lost count of the number of times Roberts has been targetted in defence and come up wanting this year also. In particular, simply failing to challenge for a high ball is unforgivable with his level of experience.



Both of them have strengths and flaws in their games but I'd say they are very similar if you gave them marks out of 10 which doesn't justify either being in the 1st team constantly ahead of the other. However, with more exposure I'd say Ainscough has the most scope for improvement.

I know that the stats don't back it up but i think Ainscough offers us something that no one else on the team can which is a threat every time he touches the ball.



He’s got a far greater ability to break the line or get past his opposite man than anyone else on the field. When you put that into the context of us having very little game changers it’s a massive + point for him.



As harsh as it sounds the best scenario for next season would be for Roberts to start and for us to have a flying start to the season then for Roberts to have about three or four weeks off with an injury. It will be much easier for Ainscough then if the team has the confidence to attack and is playing well as a unit.

I agree that it's unfair when comparing the two to use either there try scoring record or try assists for the exact reason that you mention.



The things that can be compared between the two which playing on either wing has no baring on such as clean breaks and tackles bust for me Ainscough just edges, in the end all we can hope is that both of them push each other to be the best they can and that can only be a good thing for Wigan.

Let's remember, the only reason he was playing last season is because of injuries. He's a left winger, and our first choice left winger is one of, or the best in SL. When he was playing we didn't really have a FB so it was easy to move Richards there and stick Ainscough on the wing. I just can't see him getting even 10 games next season.

I don't think he'll get played on the right for a start.



I also don't think putting him on loan would be the best thing considering the coach we've just got and some of the young talent he's worked with before. I'd like to seem him getting some games/bench time, and being coached by Maguire rather than going on loan.



His time will definitely come.



In light of the old 'errors' remark from one or two, and them saying that Amos makes just as many errors, if you pro-rata SA's games SA makes more than 50% more so it's not the same. Of course it's only to be expected given his age and lack of experience.



I don't buy into the view that he'd 'logically' continue the same strike rate, playing on the opposite wing or in some of the games he didn't play in.



It's absolutely apples and oranges, and I think we should get behind all our players SA and AR included.

That's part of the problem IMO, winger is an 80 minute position these days so it's unlikely for him to be able to get gradual introduction that way, otherwise a prop, second row or hooker is going to get very very tired.

The new coaching team will favour Ainscough's chances as Wane will not accept players not trying and unfit players or poor performances and young players who he knows better than anyone will get a chance.



If any of our outside backs do not perform then Ainscough will get a chance no doubt. Roberts was shocking at times earlier on in the season and should of been dropped, he would of been had Noble not been coach IMO.

I'd like to think you are correct but I keep asking myself just how much influence will Wane have? He's only the assistant after all and I don't recall seeing much of Veiver's influence in proceedings beforehand. Personally, I hope he is heavily involved, based in no small measure on how he came across in his recent interview.

You will see the impact he has on the forwards, have you seen how he used to play? He will have the forwards running in with agression! I just think we need one more forward.



Wane will get the players fired up for games.



I have no doubt that MM will ask for his opinions on everything as he is someone still trying to learn and they will both influence each other.

Was Vievers brought in by Noble? I think the fact that Wane currently knows more about the club than McGuire might give him a bit more influence than many assistants, particularly in the first few months while McGuire finds his feet.

The key is asking yourself how much of an input Maguire had at Melbourne.



If Maguire does a lot of delegating especially with the forward work then Wane will play a massive role. I’m sure that being a new coach & recent assistant manager Maguire will be using the advice of those around him as much as he can.



Any way I’m sure that if Wane is at training he’d bollo£k someone if they weren’t putting the effort in. It’s just the type of guy he is.

I suspect he'll have a lot of input - the whole coaching structure at Melbourne is very very different to the old fashioned RL Head Coach + 1 yes man setup that has been employed for so long over here.