HULL KR legends have spoken out in support of the job done by coach Craig Sandercock as the club considers whether he should remain in charge next season.
Sandercock will learn his fate before the end of the month as chairman Neil Hudgell has promised to bring some clarity over his position long-term.
And three ex-KR stars who have watched the team during his two seasons in charge – one of whom will have a say in the decision – believe he should stay on.
Sandercock's most prominent and senior supporter is KR board member Phil Lowe.
The former Challenge Cup winner says people should look beyond just results when assessing his success.
"I'll be voting to extend Craig's stay as Rovers coach," Lowe told the Mail.
"I think he deserves another year to continue the work he has done under very difficult circumstances.
"People have been very hard on Craig, but they don't see the work he does behind the scenes.
"It's very hard to blood inexperienced players into the side at the best of times, let alone a time when as many as six to eight players are missing every week.
"We need to give Craig more time to see what he does when he has everyone fit and available to play, as when we have fielded near full strength sides this season we have given a very good account of ourselves, beating St Helens twice and Warrington too.
"I have not seen another coach work as hard as he does. The players respect him a lot and I would hate to think another coach could come in and benefit from the foundations Craig has established in his time here."
Former Robins scrum-half Wayne Parker has watched on at training on many occasions, as well as on a matchday, and has been impressed by what he has seen.
"His training sessions have been superb when I have watched, he gets his points across very well and as far as I can see, it's the fault of the players. I blame them, not the coach," he said.
"Once the players cross the white line, it's down to them to perform to their maximum level. There are enough senior players in the team to make sure the team does better.
"We can play well defensively one week and then lose badly the next. That comes down to mental toughness and players' concentration."
Parker points to the repeated injuries to key players, and Rovers operating under the salary cap, as reasons for their struggles.
"Craig has come half way across the world to do this job for two years and he hasn't yet been able to field his strongest team," he aded.
"Justin Morgan was able to spend up to the salary cap limit but Craig hasn't had that luxury. It's a big ask for him to do the same job on a reduced budget."
For Dave Hall, who played for KR between 1970 and 1985, it has been Sandercock's passion, desire and workrate for the club which has shone through.
And he hopes he stays on, and with new investment coming into the club, is supported with a stronger squad of players in 2014.
"I've spoken with Craig and you can see how passionate he is for Hull KR and for rugby in general," he said.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve and he deserves longer in charge.
"Two years isn't enough time for him to do what he needs to do at the club. I think Rovers should stand by Craig and give him another year as Rovers coach.
"At this moment in time, we probably have six or seven good players that are good enough, and that's not enough.
"Quite simply we need better players.
"Hull KR shouldn't be losing to Salford, Wakefield and Castleford. Hopefully next year we will see Craig still in charge and with one or two better players in the squad."
