Last updated 20:21, Thursday, 30 October 2008

IT MAY not be panic stations just yet but if Graham Anthony decides to join Penrith next week then we will be one step closer to squeaky bum time.

Penrith have put in seven days’ notice on the skipper as of Wednesday this week but hopefully the lure of big bucks won’t stop Anthony from wanting to keep playing at a higher standard.

The timing couldn’t have been much worse, as Dan Kirkup has just landed in New Zealand. According to one of his social networking sites, the big lad made it safely to Hawke’s Bay and is about to go to his first training session.

Shaun Vipond’s loan ends in a few weeks and, after Christmas, a change in Craig Johnston’s working hours will mean he might not be available for every game.

However, there is some good news as top-scorer Jonny Wright aims to be back for next weekend’s game with Farsley.

Wright was back at training on Tuesday night but only to do some running as he aims to get fit as quick as possible.

Another plus was the emergence of Martyn Coleman, who was one of the only shining lights from the Vauxhall defeat last weekend.

I know Reds are looking at cutting back but if Darren Edmondson is going to push on then this side needs players.

It may be the case that the youth team are given the chance. It is important to bring through young talent but it was once said by Alan Hansen that you ‘can’t win anything with kids’. So far he has been proved right.

I am all for giving people a go but you need some older, more experienced heads to help guide the young blood through.

Players like ‘Billy’ Anthony have a key role to play in this club and let’s hope Darren can persuade him to stay.