THERE'S a general sense of disappointment throughout the Giants right now that our results in Super League are not going the way we would like.

The fact we have lost more matches than we have won in the past few months has been a main topic of conversation for fans and media alike.

Obviously, I'm disappointed with the way things have been going in terms of the results.

But in terms of our level of performance and competitiveness I do remain, on the whole, upbeat.

It may strike some supporters as somewhat surprising when I say I believe our performances over the past few weeks have shown a notable improvement.

During that time we were beaten at bottom club Castleford Tigers and then followed up with the home defeat to Warrington Wolves.

However, having studied both games on video on numerous occasions I really don't believe the way we played has been that bad.

At this level, the difference between winning and losing can be marginal, with one bounce of the ball or one crucial call proving the decisive moment.

On closer examination against Warrington, for example, it was clear we had more than enough chances to blow them away but didn't put them to bed.

There were a number of factors that contributed to this, and steps are obviously being taken to rectify the situation.

But, as I said, I genuinely believe our performances are improving once again and we are showing signs of returning to the early-season form that marked us out as one of the initial Super League front-runners.

Steps are being taken to remedy the slow starts to the second half that have proved our downfall in recent games, and I certainly don't want to see another repeat between now and the end of the season.

And I'm looking forward to seeing our boys who have just returned to action after long injury lay-offs getting back into full swing.

It's obvious that Paul March, Mick Slicker and Julian Bailey, who have just returned after being out for six weeks, are still showing slight signs of rustiness, which is understandable.

Once they rediscovered their rhythm I know their contributions to the Giants will be invaluable and we'll be back to our best!

THERE'S obviously been a mixture of emotions on the player front this week.

The good news is the return to the Giants of Chris Thorman, who will be leaving top Australian club Parramatta to rejoin us for next season.

It's a fantastic signing for us.

But on the reverse side there has been the news that Julian Bailey will be returning to Australia at the end of the season.

Julian has explained the reasons why, and we all fully understand.

However, it still doesn't take away the disappointment we are feeling at losing someone of his quality.

I've been delighted with the form Julian has shown this season, and having now fully recovered from his fractured cheekbone I hope he finishes the season with us in the most spectacular style possible.

But at least I know that as Julian leaves, Chris Thorman will arrive.

I've always been an admirer of Chris from the first time I coached him during my first spell at the Giants in 2001.

He's very knowledgeable and a deep thinker of the game, which seems a little strange when you consider he hails from the football-mad area of Newcastle.

I've kept an eye on Chris throughout his time at Parramatta and was fully aware that he had signed a one-year contract with an option for a second.

So when I thought there was a possibility he was considering a move back to England I knew I needed to act quickly.

Fortunately, I was quick enough.