We all know that expansion clubs have differant rules applied to them, is it right? no but thats the way it is.

since we've got back up we have finished in the play offs once, and just missed out in another season, more than many sides have managed and a promoted side will alway find it harder, very few teams have managed to reach the play off the year after promotion. And whats more we have done it by building a core of home grown players.

You have to think about how well a club is going to do before you let them up, thats what franchising is, if not you could end up promoting a club just to see them struggle and go bust, which isnt fair on the club or the sport.

Football and rl are differant sports, and blackpool may end the season at the bottom as the football season is only half way through.

Wheldon road isnt in the town centre its near it. And most of the people in castleford dont live near the town centre, which is itself quite small. Look at a map of castleford, the new ground will be as near or nearer for most of our supporters, for myself it will be a 20 minute walk instead of a 30 minute one. Out of town supporters who have to drive will find it alot easier to get to and to park at as well.

I thought they couldn't build homes on the old hickson site due to the chemicals from the old plant? I could be wrong but I am more than certain I have read that unless it has been overturned..?

They can build on it, they just have to make sure some areas are cleared of any chemical residue as i understand it.

Like Kirklees did with the Galpharm site which I think was previously an ICI site

Yer yer but if you were on our side of the fence still how would it make you feel? My guess is a little bit angry like us and the other clubs outside SL who have some ambition like Barrow, Widnes, Featherstone and Leigh namely.
Waiting for one man and his sidekick to be 'judge and jury' on whether you are 'good enough in their eyes' to enter the promised land???
You find this acceptable?
How were they to know how well you or Hull KR would go they could have used your argument and said oh they might struggle so lets not let them in.
As for football it is a sport just like RL which is still classed as one but only just though imo!
You are like most SL fans once you are in you swallow anything the boffins from above tell you 'cos its a closed shop to keep the rabble out eh???
Good luck as I said I like Cas a true RL town but please don't tell us about how the RFL are running things for the good of the game, that is an insult, it is run for the good of the Fat Controller so that he does not lose face, or should that be big fat face?

No it still is a chemicals works is it Syngenta now, it was a spare land as far as I know. Not the same as that is on the other side of the RL ground in Castleford anyway.

It would make me feel p*ssed off, as it did when the rfl let wigan cheat in 06 or us getting relagated depsite not finishing bottom. I never said i found it acceptable, a fair open franchise system i could accept (though not like) but we havent got that at the moment, i wish we did but i can do nothing more about it than you can.

Us and hull kr are a differant kettle of fish, kr had rich backers. We had crowds of 5 k in the lower leagues, a history of financial stability and a very good academy set up, all things that are essential if you dont have a rich backer. And to be honest i'm of the opinion that kr should be one of the clubs most under threat as they have poor youth structure, an over reliance on overseas players and massive debts.

You seem to be mistaking me with someone defending the franchise system, when if you read what i put i'm not, i'm telling you how it is, not how it should be.

That's what they said to the chemics and Viking man and look how they turned out (Mutant).

Fair enough mate, thats the trouble with franchises its a bit like blowing in the wind and as we know the wind changes.
I think a much better system is to have like football and the Conference League (now Blue Square Premier) where they have a set standard and give their verdict at the start of a season so clubs and their fans know if they can or cannot get into the football league based on mostly ground and their capacity/minimum facilities. If you start looking at other things where do you stop?
Have a good season not sure who will do what next year its all very quiet in the world of RL, sign of the times really.

Glad you posted that because I got the impression you approved of franchising because your club has one.

Championship crowds are declining because of franchising. Non Relegation League crowds are too. The RFL blame the economic downturn.

I just hope that Lewis and those who appointed him clear off soon before Quins' Crusaders and who knows how many Championship sides go to the wall because of this ridiculous gamble which cannot work.

Competition is what makes things work for the greater good not monopolies or cartels.

RL needs promotion and relegation not endless friendlies.

I am not a fan of the whole franchise thing..... but they seem to manage OK in Australia without promotion and relegation

I thought the chemical license was lifted so that you/Ben Bailey's could build residential homes on the jungle/wheldon road/probiz colly not on the Hickson site?

Australia is a continent with a much smaller population than the UK.whereas pro RL in this country is mostly played in the M62 corridor.

Thats the blast zone which is a differant thing, that effects the area around hicksons, the chemical licence only effects the hicksons site.

I am pretty certain that if I was currently looking for a new house, bearing in mind that there are plenty available, I would tend to avoid areas next to chemical works particularly when terms like "chemical residue" and "blast zone" are used. Without meaning to be offensive to Cas residents (my daughter lives at Whitwood) the Wheldon Road area could hardly be described as "picturesque" or "much sought after" by estate agents.

No one will be moving in if the site is not 100% safe, the only thing stopping it being so now is some chemicals being buried on a [usmall[/u amount of the hicksons site, these will be removed and the ground treated so it is 100% safe.

The blast zone relates to when the site was in use there was a risk of explosions from the production of chemicals, which no longer takes place, which is why it has been lifted.

The wheldon road area is being complelty redeveloped with new residential, leasure and commercial developments to be built there.

I work in whitwood, its a very nice place, though a little to quiet for my tastes.

somethings go in cycles, competition is a must though, for many reasons beyond short sighted marketing.
Australian Cricket used to joke about our county game too, im afraid we mustn't follow what works well in other countries, we must adopt what will work well for us, with last years attendances taking a hit, our national team being poor and the historic GB shirt torn up and shredded, it could well take a couple of the SL clubs to be shoved out for some people to realise our game is being used for purposes other than sporting excellence. If it is going to take Wakey and Cas's backsides to start twitching for them to realise what we have been saying on here for years, then what will be will be. Its a joke, its nothing to do with Sport.

They talk of "deep recession" and "tough economic climate" in the statement then go and ask for 500 people to hand over £1000



It is not just the club that faces these problems fans do too. I can see the point of the statement but serious straw clutching. I think Wakey are in trouble financially and this is another roll of the dice.

Quote ="Fax Bluenose"Desperation Wakefield Wildcats Official Statement Wakefield Trinity Wildcats held a general meeting of shareholders on Tuesday 4th January at which shareholders were given an update on stadium, licensing and the general position of the club. The club confirmed it was deeply disappointed the planning application on the Newmarket stadium had been called in for public enquiry on 16th December. Not only does this mean a delay to the stadium development but the club was to receive funds of £350,000 on planning being granted as part of the clubs agreement with the developer which are now also delayed. Meetings have been held with the Developer and Sir Rodney Walker on behalf of Wakefield & District Community Trust and all parties agree that whilst this is a set back it does not stop the development pushing ahead through the planning process. All parties are as committed as always to delivering the stadium and sports facilities for the City. The club remain convinced that this development will happen the question which cannot be answer at this time is when. In April the Wildcats apply for a Super League license for 2012 – 2014. An essential part of the licensing process is facilities and Newmarket will still be included in the Wildcats bid. However, the club confirmed it has contingency plans in place to play out of the district in super league compliant stadiums until such time as Newmarket comes to fruition. The club are working under confidentiality processes and cannot give further details but once the legal processes have been completed will make these plans public. The key performance indicators around which licensing is based are Facilities, Spectator Base, Finance, Commercial & Marketing and Community Trusts and the club feels its license application will score strongly on Facilities (using the stadiums mentioned above) Commercial, Marketing and the Community Trust. However it may face tough opposition in spectator base whilst the club can show year on year growth and a continuing upward trend on attendances it has not reached the 10,000 limit. Financially the club has faced a tough economic climate during times of a deep recession and losing the £350,000 from cash flow creates a difficult environment in which to work. During the summer the club appealed for new investors to come forward and two interested parties have undergone a due diligence process and attended meetings with Super League and Rugby Football League representatives and the Stadium Developer yet despite assurances neither offer has been realised. The club needs to do everything it can to generate extra funds and called for 500 people to come forward to each pay £1,000 each and generate £500,000 for the club. The Board of Directors said they have been told repeatedly that people would support the club and come forward with financial assistance if the current Board were not involved. Therefore the Board are offering this opportunity to shareholders, supporters and new investors to come forward and create a new Board of Directors under this scheme. The question is are there 500 people out there who have the club at heart - what does this club mean to you? This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.'" Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.

Quote ="Fax Bluenose"Desperation Wakefield Wildcats Official Statement Wakefield Trinity Wildcats held a general meeting of shareholders on Tuesday 4th January at which shareholders were given an update on stadium, licensing and the general position of the club. The club confirmed it was deeply disappointed the planning application on the Newmarket stadium had been called in for public enquiry on 16th December. Not only does this mean a delay to the stadium development but the club was to receive funds of £350,000 on planning being granted as part of the clubs agreement with the developer which are now also delayed. Meetings have been held with the Developer and Sir Rodney Walker on behalf of Wakefield & District Community Trust and all parties agree that whilst this is a set back it does not stop the development pushing ahead through the planning process. All parties are as committed as always to delivering the stadium and sports facilities for the City. The club remain convinced that this development will happen the question which cannot be answer at this time is when. In April the Wildcats apply for a Super League license for 2012 – 2014. An essential part of the licensing process is facilities and Newmarket will still be included in the Wildcats bid. However, the club confirmed it has contingency plans in place to play out of the district in super league compliant stadiums until such time as Newmarket comes to fruition. The club are working under confidentiality processes and cannot give further details but once the legal processes have been completed will make these plans public. The key performance indicators around which licensing is based are Facilities, Spectator Base, Finance, Commercial & Marketing and Community Trusts and the club feels its license application will score strongly on Facilities (using the stadiums mentioned above) Commercial, Marketing and the Community Trust. However it may face tough opposition in spectator base whilst the club can show year on year growth and a continuing upward trend on attendances it has not reached the 10,000 limit. Financially the club has faced a tough economic climate during times of a deep recession and losing the £350,000 from cash flow creates a difficult environment in which to work. During the summer the club appealed for new investors to come forward and two interested parties have undergone a due diligence process and attended meetings with Super League and Rugby Football League representatives and the Stadium Developer yet despite assurances neither offer has been realised. The club needs to do everything it can to generate extra funds and called for 500 people to come forward to each pay £1,000 each and generate £500,000 for the club. The Board of Directors said they have been told repeatedly that people would support the club and come forward with financial assistance if the current Board were not involved. Therefore the Board are offering this opportunity to shareholders, supporters and new investors to come forward and create a new Board of Directors under this scheme. The question is are there 500 people out there who have the club at heart - what does this club mean to you? This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.'" Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" No Ground + No Finances + Not 10,000 Supporters + No assets = Championship until bust, Its not announced until June/July for the Dropped team and wont be until this time next year. Come on down, the price is ........................

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" No Ground + No Finances + Not 10,000 Supporters + No assets = Championship until bust, Its not announced until June/July for the Dropped team and wont be until this time next year. Come on down, the price is ........................

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" Wakefield have to get an ok from the public enquiry (6 months-year) before they can apply for planning permission which will take 2-3 months.

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" Wakefield have to get an ok from the public enquiry (6 months-year) before they can apply for planning permission which will take 2-3 months.

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" I know what you are saying but can I yet again bring up that pampered lot Crusaders who have not only moved to a ground 'outside their area' but become another club altogether! yes Wrexham is in Wales but that is the only link with the club who played in Bridgend yet they are just allowed to get on with it as they are expanding the game oustide the traditional boundaries Reallly are they?????

Quote ="bulldogtrev"Reading this and the arguments against the building of the Wakefield ground www.wakefieldangryresidents.com/ I cannot see how Wakefield can retain Superleague status if the decision is in March.It seems unlikely Wakefield will get confirmed planning permission before March. When Dewsbury won the championship they applied for Superleague by playing at a ground outside of the area and where knocked back. I do not see how Wakefield can do the same thing and not get knocked back.'" I know what you are saying but can I yet again bring up that pampered lot Crusaders who have not only moved to a ground 'outside their area' but become another club altogether! yes Wrexham is in Wales but that is the only link with the club who played in Bridgend yet they are just allowed to get on with it as they are expanding the game oustide the traditional boundaries Reallly are they?????

Different circumstances though, there aren't dozens of teams from the country's traditional heartlands outside of the NRL that are no longer able to get promotion to a league that they have previously spent lengthy spells in.

They also don't run a franchise system whereby existing teams get relegated for off field record rather than performances on the field. Or one that the main broadcaster decides who will take part.

Neither do the likes of Canberra, Melbourne, Gold Coast etc get preferential treatment with player's origin or are allowed to go bust several times over without ever getting booted out. Over here the governing body do all they can to help wipe out debts...providing you are not within 30 miles of the M62 or play outside of Super League.

Least when the Aussies set up the mergers with clubs within same city like Wests/Balmain and St George/Illawarra they have proven to be legit rather than our shambles attempt to merge Gateshull and Shuddersfield.

Our system is a complete crock of ****.