HAVING just returned from our second trip to the South of France to watch the Giants and, at the time of writing, not having had the chance to read the apology from coach Jon Sharp, we feel we must put pen to paper and get a few things off our chests regarding the woeful and embarrassing no-show from our team in Perpignan.

A party of 31 people ranging from age two upwards had a cracking five nights in the sun (apart from some good old fashioned Huddersfield weather on the Sunday), spending in total £11,000 on accommodation, flights and transport, NOT including our spend on entertainment, food and drink, putting a lot of euros into the local Catalan economy, and for what? To be treated to the worst game of one-sided ‘touch and pass’ some of us have ever witnessed!

Some of our party were in early and were predicting a rout before the match, saying we looked ‘a bit quiet’ in warm-up – and this was from two under-13s!

If our future players are noticing these types of signs, we are in even more trouble than we so obviously are and, with Cas now breathing down our necks, thank God there is no relegation!

It was sad to see two of our young local products (Cudjoe and Lawrence), along with the rest of the team, being subjected to the sarcastic and negative comments that were evident that evening.

But if Jon Sharp can find one single positive from the debacle then we would welcome his comments.

The fact is we were positively embarrassing and no amount of statistics and data can mask that.

Our season is over, we cannot fight a relegation battle, we are out of the Cup, and our prospects of the top six are, if we play like that again, down the same drain as our thousands of euros.

Most of us will be back watching the Giants, but we will probably be sat in what will be our lowest home crowd for years next month against Harlequins, and the next two weeks will give Ken Davy, Jon Sharp, all the players and supporters plenty of food for thought.

Mr Davy eventually saw the light at Huddersfield Town and now is the time to act at the Giants as some tough decisions will have to be made and QUICK.

The signs are that it may have worked with Town, now let’s get some sort of similar action at the Giants because time and patience is running out.

Anyone who has followed Fartown or the Giants over the years will know the feeling of anticipation followed by a sense of anti-climax as some of the years have unfolded.

In the past, we have been put through the wringer time and time again and still turn up to support, and we will do so again, but to say we feel let down after Perpignan would have to be the understatement of the year!

Newsome Giants on Tour

Catalans 2008

Time for a change

HOW much longer Mr Davy?

On my return from Perpignan following Saturday’s debacle, I read with interest the Examiner article about leading Giants officials being delighted at the increase in home support and wondering why we do not get the away support.

Well, as anyone who travelled to France will tell you, it doesn’t take a genius to work out the answer.

I understand Mr Davy was not at the match, but I am sure he would get a report from a couple of his co-directors who had the misfortune to be sat with the fans during the complete shambles that we endured.

After spending our hard-earned cash, we were once again rewarded by a team that didn’t even bother to turn up!

There was no pride, passion, skill or dedication in 80% of the team. What happened to wearing your club shirt with pride?

As usual, there were the players that always try their best, Shane Elford and Luke Robinson being typical examples, and Michael Lawrence, who if he has any sense at all, will surely be looking to find a new Super League club at the earliest possible opportunity.

I wonder what Mr Sharp’s excuse will be this week – or will he even bother to give us an excuse as his arrogance at telling us that he’s the best Super League coach we’ve ever had, and the victim of his own success he obviously thinks he’s indispensible.

I would just ask Mr Davy to recollect his words when Mr Ritchie lost his job at Huddersfield Town – ‘The fans deserve better’ – yes, Mr Davy, so do we and how much longer before we get it, otherwise it won’t only be the away support that’s gone missing!

Fartown Grandma

Club has to act now

AFTER the latest debacle in France how can Jon Sharp remain coach of the Giants any longer?

Our season is now well and truly over and our players once again continue to underperform.

As I’ve said before, Sharp has taken us as far as he can, and it is time for a new man at the helm.

If the club does not act soon, I fear that attendances will fall and I, for one, will not be renewing my season ticket next year if he remains in charge.

Mark Scott

Kirkburton