Since when have franchise applications been judged merely on stadiums?

www.independent.co.uk/sport/gene ... 76270.html This is the current Salford situation, looks like the actual stadium starts in October, but groundwork always takes ages, it did at Leigh. Also, stadiums arn't the only criteria, obviously. But with about 6 or 7 teams all of a similar size, you have to start looking at what they bring to SL. At the moment, what do Wakey bring?

www.independent.co.uk/sport/gene ... 76270.html This is the current Salford situation, looks like the actual stadium starts in October, but groundwork always takes ages, it did at Leigh. Also, stadiums arn't the only criteria, obviously. But with about 6 or 7 teams all of a similar size, you have to start looking at what they bring to SL. At the moment, what do Wakey bring?

A stadium is just of the things you fall short on

A competitive side (averaging a top 8 finish) provided they don't finish lower than 11th, an ever improving academy system (League winners & Playoffs winners 2009), and a consistently higher average attendance then Salford. I'm looking at the last criteria, add up the points if you will and see who comes out on top!

Salford are in front in terms of the stadium development but that isn't to say they'll score points for it until it's finished. Plus Wakefield should be hearing back shortly regarding their Outline planning permission.

I've never said Wakefield, Castleford or Salford don't fail on stadiums (currently) merely that franchises are judged on more than just stadiums.

Looks like you're right. I did this as a poll to get an idea of what people think, and i'm chuft that people want Crusaders, Catalans and Harlequins in. And the team that people don't want in I think is Salford after 400 votes.

I remember a time, not so long ago actually, when people used to be concerned about what happened on that bit of grass in the middle and it was the only topic of conversation. Now it seems to be way down the pecking order for most people.

Times have changed! Well they have in most places.

So RL is not important anymore so long as you get nappy changing facilities and three types of aftershave in the bogs?

Facilities are part of the process of applying for Super League. So why can't people discuss it?

They are discussing it aren't they?

He's right though.

If he's not interested in the conversation, why doesn't he start a thread about something else then? Instead of butting in and ruining this for everyone else. If he did that in public he'd get a dry slap.

That's only 50+ people though, and at the moment they've got 32 votes to Cas' 35 and Wakey 36 - not much of a difference.

I'm flabbergasted people are still banging on about Toulouse. Another premature club to thrust into SL way too early, with few fans and a load of second-rate Aussies lined up. No away fans for yet another game over here and more costs for UK-based fans to cough up. Have we not learnt? Yes, give them several years to build a stronger base in Toulouse, more fans, develop more French players, etc and then consider them.

I'm all for Catalans and Crusaders. I thought Crusaders were put in SL 3 years too early and the 'emergency' move to Wrexham seems to back that up, though Wrexham is doing well and has huge potential. Quins don't seem to be going anywhere, though I still think they should be in SL - plenty of untapped potential and RL in the capital is growing. But let's also get back to boosting at our heartland clubs that also have potential - Widnes, Leigh, Halifax, etc.

Completely agree with everything you've said. Toulouse need to impress a bit more, get crowds higher and start winning or competing for trophies.

Maybe with Wakey, Salford and Cas all competing for this, two of them should join forces and upset the other! Then put tax up etc.......

So its ok to have an opinion on this subject as long as it agrees with yours?
He's putting an alternative view to your thread, certainly not 'butting' in, and it certainly isn't ruined.

Stop acting like a sulky boy, its adding debate to a pretty decent thread. IMO.

I'm not sulking in the slightest. But can't see the point of going on a thread to say that he's not interested. Not exactly constructive is it?

Ah, just noticed- 'Bronze Members'

Bronze members indeed. You dont qualify to comment I'm afraid.

Anyway, back to the topic. I voted to keep Wakey in and add Leigh, Top of the table and playing in a nice
new ground. That will do for me!!

In a wierd twist, I didn't put Leigh in. I think all of Widnes, Salford, Cas and Wakey are above us. I think 3 more years under Millward winning and improving attendances is what we need, rather than getting battered again. Also, Leigh RL has only just started acting like a 21st century club with its online shop, but can't sort out ticketing in LSV for some reason, lot of creases need ironing out at Leigh for a year or two.

Out of possible new comers I'd take:
Toulouse
Widnes
Leigh
Fax
Haven
Sheffield

in that order of preference

No Barrow?

Always seemed that if any Cumbrian club could make a go of SL it would be Haven. Havign said that I don;t think Haven or Barrow ar ebig enough to sustain a 3million quid a year SL team.

Barrow is a big place, plenty of scope for expansion. Also no competition from other sports, the football club is in the lower leagues.

I miss those days.

Quote ="littlerich"No it didn't. More designs were published and a plan to clear some space on waste ground - to start in August. I reckon some photographs of diggers clearing the site will be published in January ready for the franchise application. '" No it did. The "clearing" started yesterday (remediation contractors were appointed in April) and involves some fairly major remediation work due to ground conditions. August is when the stadium buidl contarctors will be apponted (expressions of interest currently being processed). Oh, and they went off too early with the photo... menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... rd_stadium

Quote ="littlerich"No it didn't. More designs were published and a plan to clear some space on waste ground - to start in August. I reckon some photographs of diggers clearing the site will be published in January ready for the franchise application. '" No it did. The "clearing" started yesterday (remediation contractors were appointed in April) and involves some fairly major remediation work due to ground conditions. August is when the stadium buidl contarctors will be apponted (expressions of interest currently being processed). Oh, and they went off too early with the photo... menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... rd_stadium