But the worry about not being A grade and pointing at IMG is what holds us back.
We've been given a target (or will be) to achieve an A grade status and secure our future.
Rather than moan that they are against us, surely we target the areas we need to improve and go get the A status.
Simples.

Absolutely, just think it’s going to be more challenging for some clubs than others. I expect we may have to put a lot of effort and have further facility improvements to be considered an A. We won’t truly know what’s needed to get an A until it’s released though.

It’s unknown at the moment and I guess the concern is that we have only 2 years (or less) to secure either a top B or A status. That’s a very short amount of time imho.

I’m confident we are starting on a good position in a few areas though such as youth, community and financial management. I have confidence in those who run the club to show the improvement necessery.

You and PT are probably correct, I just think IMG will give considerable weight to teams outside the normal heartland, London, York, Newcastle, even Cornwall has been mentioned, I just feel Trinity are being elbowed out, I hope I’m wrong and IMG will be squeaky clean when it comes to awarding criteria points.

The new stand and stadium improvements aswell as the car park
The incredible financial stability and professional way the clubs is run under Michael Carter, our acadeny and owning our own ground all things that will help our grading

If it is that we don’t make A then we are well on the way to it

We just need to make some good signings and have a good year on the pitch on top of the nee stand now

I’m actually quietly optimistic that the future is bright for us

Watching this from a distance all I see is smoke (no mirrors yet) .. to release a concept with no definition of the concept detail is concerning,

Any assessment must be against the quality of approach of the business plan (holistic plan) and whether the plan is achieving the necessary outcomes for the business..

For example a business plan would include revenue, crowds and growth, community engagement, sponsorship and business transactions, growth of the sport in the community, creating quality pathways for young players and coaches… success on the field across all teams…

It would/ should not include variables outside the business’s control… like location or owners. The business should be stand alone and not rely on subsidies. I’m not saying that teams shouldn’t have rich owners… just that that should not feature in the assessment of the business.

IMO

Wealthy business owners is just another revenue stream. You can't pick and choose

I think I just did!

You may be right and it would be a tragedy for those who have worked so hard to raise the level of the club. Sadly, the hard fact is, we don't have the appeal that seems to be required, we've struggled for years, or 'fan base' is pathetic (but in another way damned good to say our last major trophy was over 50 years ago!) and only now is our ground taking shape.
I feel very much our fate is in our hands, and although the theory of what we have to do, as PT puts it is 'simples' the realisation of it is quite the opposite!

Probably another barrier for us is that I read there will be a minimum spend cap for superleague and the cap will be raised.

We may have to find a way to commit ion 2025 to meeting this cap or spending above it.

I suppose that’s why it’s going to mean a lot of hard work on the marketing front and raising attendances along with increasing revenue streams in corporate, events, sponsorship and catering.

It’s going to be a busy 2 years for trinity. That’s for sure.

The real interesting part, once the final tier 1 is sorted is, what are IMG expecting or planning as far as promoting the game and increasing any type of broadcast deal ?

Lol. Yes you did.

We don’t have until 2024 we must survive in SL at the end of 2023 because do we actually believe we would gain anything from applying from the Championship. They may say all clubs are treated the same but the Championship operates with a smaller budget, lower crowds and our ground albeit better than Castleford will still be let down by the West Stand. I don’t think refurbishing the plastic seats will gain us much favour with IMG.
Castleford will be downgraded on facilities but will gain points for their average league position, crowds, marketing and contribution to SL by actually reaching a final.

"Aaand, always look on the bright side of life........"

No just being in the real world not one that is inhabited by those who do not want to accept the reality of SL life.
I think you should refer to your own definition and see how it relates to us.

I think we've always been good at doing the stuff away from the first team: academies and community work. Where we have always struggled is financial stability and facilities.

We have sorted financial stability and facilities. The remaining matter is minimum spend. The main barrier to that is an outside investor, but of course guaranteed super league status might encourage that, so potentially we are further ahead than a lot of clubs. The ground half-way to being top-grade on all sides. Financially stable. Academy and reserves. Women's team. Community work. We tick every box, in my view, apart from the potential minimum spend. If an investor need only tick that box, we have the look of a category A club.

That is perhaps why JM is supportive

Can you point me to the criteria that teams will be judged upon?

Just my view based on what you would expect the criteria to be based on the previous review. I certainly don’t think our chances would be increased from the Championship, I guess you might but I do not.

You got all from a simple question?!

No our chances would not be improved being in the lower tier however nobody knows what the criteria is. It does sound like IMG are wanting strong clubs as opposed to just strong first teams though, which given the infrastructure that's has been put in place recently will stand us in good stead. Either way we need to stay in the top-flight to give ourselves the best chance of making it.

What happens if clubs dont accept the IMG proposals ?

On the subject of self interest, this is the main reason for having a strong and impartial governing body and I'm not sure that ours is either of those things.

Nothing. IMG are not the governing body, the RFL is, IMG have no stake in the game unless I missed something. They have been employed to re-build the sport but how many of us have been at companies who've paid a fortune for consultants only to totally ignore every recommendation made.

Very expensive window dressing unless the clubs drop all self interest and I'll believe that when I see it.

Vastman, I get that they are merely consultants.
However, on the basis that they are in position for 12 years? there will be an interesting conversation if their "root and branch" overhaul of the game, together with their recommendations are rejected.
Where would that leave them and the game?

I thought that I'd read that their plan would be implemented, regardless.

That’s my understanding that IMG have the authority to make the changes.

I’m pretty sure there will be some ongoing consultation with the RFL though.

My only answer is as I say, that I'll believe it when I see it. FWIW I think IMG will slowly disappear and their recommendations will be either ignored or watered down.

But who gives them that authority. The 12 club chairman, and what can be given can be taken away.

The original scenario if I recall was that IMG would take over the running of the game and then after overhauling the sport go out and attract private equity.

This may still be the aim I'm not sure, but seeing as it appears a vote is required, then IMG are not running the game IMHO, just advising. To me these are two distinctly different scenarios.

This is rugby league, nothing stays the same for long. We may have two or three seasons operating in line with IMG ideas and then tinkering will start, then wholesale changes and finally back to where we were at some point in the past. A couple of years at that and then the next bright idea will pop up.