I think I can see both points of view here.

Trainers like John and Paul have got to a certain level and it is natural that they are going to want to try and improve. Once you lose the hunger for anything you may as well give it up. It isn't fair to ask them to ease up or stop progressing and I don't think anyone would want to especially as both are very open in giving help and advice. There is no secret formula ha ha its mine attitude in this league and that is a great credit to the whole community.

I can totally understand Josh's frustration with his position though because he is 'in the next wave', right behind the top trainers. It is that 'last step is the hardest' thing and (hope I am not talking out of turn here) he probably sees the summit pulling away rather than getting closer which must be frustrating, especially if you don't have a lot of time to devote to the game. In the wide scheme of things of course 75% of the trainers in the league would swap stables with Josh as he is light years ahead of them. Everything is relative.

Jim has shown this year that it is possible to take that last step but as with everything it comes down to how much time and inclination you have. It is easy to get disillusioned, especially if you feel you are going backwards or that those in front are pulling away and those behind are catching you up, which I would politely suggest is how Josh feels at this time.

Personally I think Stu is thinking along the right lines going forward. I would like to see a new rule implemented where 50% of your stable must return for a second season. This would at least limit the speed at which the elite could pull away.

Finally, I have a sense that due to the unfortunate things that have been happening in the first few weeks a lot of people are feeling a bit edgy and sensitive about comments and perceived criticism. I am sure I am not alone in saying that no one wants any of the current trainers to leave or go away and that it is great that we have had some new genuine players join us and we don't want to do anything to put them off enjoying something that is great fun and hugely enjoyable.

Paul - If you decided to leave the league it would leave a huge hole.

You are the glue that keeps us all together and you are Mr. Starters Orders Forum.

Let's all get back to enjoying our fantastic league

I look up to a lot of you guys and i'm almost always more near bottom than most but i have never thought i wont get there one day. Paul of course is my mentor and i will follow him everywhere, if he he was to leave i would too, while he's at the top i have a target to aim for. Josh and a whole load of you others are fantastic trainers and next in line to his and Johns spots so they need to keep working hard to remain there or lose it to one of you, i might be in that top flight by the time SO27 comes out, i will keep plodding on and trying my best (how unlucky was American Art? ) whilst having a shed load of fun, learning all the way from all of you and your tips and advice...keep it fun and have a guiness each on me

He had no runners last week Doug

bit like James last year just stopped entering no word since on James he was on for
champion flat trainer before he pulled out last season

Hope Both are ok also glad we got all the rubbish sorted it would not be a normal league
with at least one barney

This is my 3rd season and each season has a flare up hahahahaha

Sounds like on the "Barney Meter" the barneys in SO6 are kids play compared to SO5, SO4 etc which sounded very nasty and spiteful and as Martin said to me 'almost comical to read'