Are the Exiles in trouble?

London Irish are a side in trouble. At the moment, they are ninth in the table and arguably out of contention to finish in the top 4. They have one of the smallest squads in the Premiership and they are a side which confuse me. They do have a lot quality in their side but just can't seem to click when they really need it. Irish have a superb coaching team in Toby Booth and Mike Catt with Brian Smith recently joining the Exiles again after the England debacle, clearly this is one of the best coaching set ups in the country.

However, it has come to that time of year where players are out of contract and decide where they are to play next season. Irish are losing some vital players that dictate the rhythm & style of the Exiles and so far they haven't really replaced them. So far, it has been confirmed Dan Bowden, Adam Thompstone, Nick Kennedy, Guy Armitage and Paul Hodgson are leaving; it is expected Delon Armitage will leave for Toulon; Bob Casey and Faan Rautenbach are expected to retire also  it is rumoured that Steven Shingler and Chris Hala'ufia will leave although nothing has been confirmed. Irish have announced Halani Aulika, Scott Lawson, George Skivington and Tom Smith will join them with many more expected to join them.

But it does worry me really about the loyalty some of these players show. Perhaps some of them want a new challenge at a new club, maybe some just want to earn a few bucks abroad and to me that is wrong. Where does this leave Irish for next season? When you look at the transfers over the last few seasons, there has been various chop & changes every season and that isn't the best way to approach things. What a club needs is a settled squad with a few additions that suit the style of play that the club wants to showcase to the fans. There are some key positions which they have yet to strengthen and replace and these are things that Toby needs to do ASAP.

For the fans aswell, there is no players coming to the club which will really put bums on seats and I have a feeling that they will come soon. It is vital for the club that they have big players to fill the gaps from last season otherwise I can only see Irish sliding further down and down the table.