Lakin deserves chance to make his mark at Rovers
Mention a new era and you are met with virtual eye rolls and a fair bit of cynicism. Understandably so given the many false dawns the Hull KR supporters have lived through.
This year was billed as a ‘Rovers Revolution’ but 2020 looked a lot like previous years even before rugby league was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
KR’S season ended abruptly, which coincided with Paul Lakin’s return to Craven Park as the club’s new chief executive.
Lakin oversaw promotion to Super League in his first spell from 2004 to 2008 and arrived back at Craven Park after working in football for 12 years with Wolves and Stoke City.
Together with Tony Smith, John Bastian and Danny Mcguire - who has taken on a more hands-on role since his return last weekend - Lakin has been tasked with improving KR’S fortunes on the field.
He spoke in glowing terms about his new colleagues and said it is his job to fit the puzzle pieces together.
Without bashing the previous regime, it was clear Lakin feels the club needs better leadership at the top .
He certainly talks a good game but, as he said himself, the proof will be in the pudding.
Lakin confirmed Rovers are looking to bolster their pack with overseas signings and he believes the new recruits will give the fans encouragement.
Supporters are understandably wary and have little interest in words; they want actions.
It will become clear over the coming weeks whether KR are putting together a squad strong
enough to compete in Super League next year.
The club are right to be excited about the spine of the team and a big, solid pack would make a world of difference.
On the rare occasions that Rovers won the battle up front in 2020, they showed how dangerous they can be with ball in hand.
It is a big few weeks for Lakin as he looks to win over members who are on the fence over renewing for 2021 after watching their side finish bottom of Super League on the back of a series of heavy defeats.
He knows the best way to do that is to recruit quality players and that should leave fans excited about the possibilities.
Rovers supporters have been bitten one too many times but Lakin has just walked through the door and is in credit after his first spell at the club.
He deserves time to prove it is not another false dawn.
Lakin is making all the right noises and needs to back his words up by assembling a squad capable of bringing the club back together heading into 2021.