by The Incredible Shug on Fri Feb 28, 2020 1:12 am
I feel as though the final answer to what happens to Hickey's contract status lies in the fact that we're having this discussion at all. The truth of the matter is that he's likely on a decent wedge. With players such as Ritchie and Graham having exploded onto the scene, we will need to be able to free up some cash from somewhere.
That brings me onto my next point.
The only really integral player we have left unsigned is Matt Scott. He's perhaps been our form back this season once you discount Duhan – he's had a fantastic season, and probably ought to be the starting #12 on a national level. I absolutely believe we should keep him at all costs.
But there's obviously a 'but' in there somewhere.
Scott was noticeably absent from Cockerill's statement discussing Hickey and Ceccarelli's contract statuses. That either means that he's an impending re-signature or definitely out the door.
I would love to think that it's the first one, but I don't think we should discount the possibility that he goes at the end of the season. It's not necessarily the injury issues so much as it is that we also have Chris Dean – who Cockerill clearly rates enough for him to have captained the club – and George Taylor breaking through during the last two seasons, plus Mark Bennett at #13. Taylor's no Scott – very few centres are – but he's looked as though he could perform a similar role. Then there's James Johnstone to consider, plus the fact that we might be bringing in a new fly-half – possibly meaning a new option at #12 to chuck on the pile. (But then that's utterly speculative.)
Scott is absolutely integral to our gameplan and we can't really afford to lose him – but we might not get much choice if we need to free up the wage bill and offers do come in (this is the part that might save us, considering his injury history). I know Sale Sharks need a centre to replace Cammy Redpath, for example. I think Scott'd do well there.
I'm really hoping that the club are saving up Matt Scott to be the final, big marquee re-signing. But I think it's possible that he leaves.
If we do keep hold of Scott, then I don't think we'll retain Hickey. As for the others, I don't think Fife stays – in fact, I'm under the impression he's already been released? – while it sounds an awful lot like Ceccarelli will be moving on (a shame considering that he's been our best tighthead at times this season, and still can't make the Italian 23, despite Giosuè Zilocchi's best efforts to make a place for him in the side last Saturday). Barclay will almost certainly retire – there's a part of me that wants him to stick it out another season, but I think that's decidedly remote – and Fenton depends, as others have said, on whether or not we can get Ashman back in again. I think Baggott is off, and maybe Stanley too.
Hodgson's a difficult one; I think Thomson will get another year, and whether Hodgson does or not might well depend on how well Kunavula is going in training. Ideally, I'd keep them both, but I think Thomson currently has the upper hand if we can only retain one. Of course, if we do end up retaining Callum Hunter-Hill, then there's no way that both JH and ST are staying. I think that's unlikely, though.
Conor Boyle should really be in the senior squad next season, I think. Ultimately, he's been both the U20s captain and is probably already the Super6 player of the season, which is pretty impressive. I think Rory Darge could join him, too.
Help! We're being held prisoner in a signature factory!