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I used to think that technical coaching was more important than man-management, but I'm now starting to change my mind.

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In football they call him the manager, in rugby they call him the coach.

Whatever you call him, he's the man responsible for the team when the whistle blows at the start of the match.

When people ask 'who is the best coach?', the answer depends on how you define the job.

Is a coach somebody who can teach players new tricks and educate them technically and tactically, or is it somebody who creates an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment, is popular to be with and gets his team to play instinctively and aggressively at the weekend?

I've always fluctuated between the two. I used to think that technical coaching was more important than man-management, but I'm now starting to change my mind.

I've started to realise that the majority of players have learned how to play the game before they get into the first team. They've worked out what works for them and what does not - it's already imprinted in their minds and takes place instinctively.

There are, of course, some things which change as a player progresses throughout his career and some coaches can affect this. But if you had seen the greatest players in our game play when they were 14 or 15, many of them would have been doing what they do now.

In a few months time I might change my mind back again, but at present Wakefield seem to underline my point.

When you watch them play you see a side doing the unpredictable - things they've done since they were kids. It's an amazing achievement for a team almost relegated last year to be in the top six.

Perhaps we should change the name of the award we give at the end of the year. It should be 'best man-manager in Super League'.

Now to this week's questions...

Dear Phil, do you know what is happening with the investigation into the violence which occurred at the latest Hull derby? It seems to have been overshadowed by the Salary Cap issue. One of the many things I enjoy about rugby league is the fact that supporters are not segregated and can banter and discuss the game without fear of violence erupting - unlike in football. I live in Salford and the atmosphere in Manchester when there is either a Manchester United or Manchester City match on a Saturday is awful. It is such a shame and a discredit to our great sport to read in the national press about "thugby league" after the Hull derby. I sincerely hope the rugby league authorities deal with this embarrassment appropriately, particularly given both clubs have been in trouble for violence related incidents previously. Jennie Finch

PHIL SAYS: These type of incidents are, luckily, very rare in rugby league, and despite what was reported it was not as bad as it first looked. The disciplinary investigation team, which is made up primarily of former policemen, is still collecting statements from people at the game. It will, I envisage, take a further three weeks before the RFL makes a judgement. In my opinion it simply boils down to a lack of respect, and the RFL needs to do its best to actively promote its Respect campaign much more. Simply making an announcement over a tannoy before the game isn't enough.

Hi Phil, I have noticed that when commentating on Sky Sports you have a vast knowledge of stats regarding the Super League clubs/players. Are these stats available for public viewing? If not, could you publish the season statistics between Maurie Faasavalu and Feka Paleaaesina for the following: minutes on pitch, carries, metres gained, tackles made, tackles missed. Thanks, Barry Devlin

PHIL SAYS: I must confess my knowledge comes from one of two sources. If it's historical information, I rely on a mate of mine called Ian Proctor, if it's more stats/performance-based then my friends at Opta help out. Unfortunately, this information isn't available to the public, but I hope we bring you the most interesting, relevant and pertinent stats when we cover rugby league on Sky Sports. A quick look at this season's stats on the two players you mention shows some interesting comparisons...

I didn't get hold of the minutes each has played, but I'm aware that Fassavalu appears mostly from the substitutes' bench. He's played over 90 first-team games at St Helens and only started in five of those. Both have had impressive seasons so far, and I wouldn't fancy trying to tackle either of them.

Phil, I've just been reading your responses to last week's questions, and one of my own immediately springs to mind. Following the doubling of the points which can be deducted for salary cap infringements, what difference is a points deduction going to make when there is no relegation next season? Okay, it might drop a team from second place to ninth place, which is a blow, but that's nowhere near as bad as being down in a relegation position. Does this mean there will be heavier fines for the clubs to make it less worthwhile making the same accounting errors that are being made now? Max Stewart

PHIL SAYS:Although the new proposal for a licensed system (which alters the annual promotion/relegation concept) has not been fully disclosed or agreed upon, it does not mean that teams won't be relegated or removed from the league. From what I hear, a team will be given a minimum of three years in the top division, but its performance on and off the pitch over that time will be assessed. If, for example, a club continually breaks the salary cap and is unable to act in an honest mananer, it could face expulsion from Super League even if it were winning trophies. I agree with you that stronger financial penalties could be part of the answer.

Phil, I agree entirely about the issue of lifting and dragging a player back during the tackle. Another major impact this has is close to the touchline - players are very wary of being dragged into touch and therefore avoid the touchline. This has effectively made the playing field narrower and concentrated play down the middle. An aspect of the game which has all but disappeared is a wing man going around the outside, and I believe this is a big shame as there was no finer sight than a player like Clive Sullivan taking the outside. Regards, Ian Smith

PHIL SAYS: I'm glad you agree with me, Ian. I think we're in the minority at present. However, I think we'll see an alteration to this rule for next season. As you say, we need to see every bit of the field being used.