Quote ="WormInHand"Home crowds were comparable in their paucity only with Harlequins, the other British expansion project. Quins still aren't pulling them in after 20 odd years but at least the profile of RL is at an all time high in London schools and is the fastest growing sport down there. It's taken a hell of a long time, though.'"
They weren't far behind Salford either, for what that's worth. And given their diabolical performances all season I don't think that's as bad as all that. Significantly higher than any of the Championship sides BTW.
And the profile of RL in the area is on a similar trajectory as in London (still a long way behind of course). Which is why it's such a farce that it's even being considered that they move to Wrexham.
Quote ="WormInHand"I don't know the history of Samuel and friends - what did he do to so pi$$ off the Welsh? Genuine question.'"
Basically screwed over two RU clubs and a soccer club in similar fashion to what he did at Celtic. The RFL should never have got involved with him IMO.
Quote ="WormInHand"You're right.
And neither did I.'"
You made a claim that lots of money had been spent. Just because you didn't put an actual figure on it doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to justify such a claim when challenged.
Quote ="WormInHand"Not really. The general consensus of opinion that is acknowledged to be true. '"
Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
I can't believe you actually typed that.
Quote ="WormInHand"But IS it? You keep making sweeping statements like:
"People actually working within the RL structure there beg to differ. But I guess you know better." and
"Yes they are. The grass roots development there is strong, and considering the rubbish season they had, crowds were decent. And this is with many people staying away because of who owned the club."
...but not really backing it up with any evidence. Come on, Mr Scientist, you know you'd get a D- if you tried to write a conclusion to an experiment without justifying that conclusion by quoting your results.'"
This isn't science.
There are no links to provide because the information comes from talking to people living and working in the area. There is actually some decent information buried in the threads on the VT - even died-in-the-wool 'flatcappers' admit the good work that has been done there and the potential that exists in South Wales.
Quote ="WormInHand"Frankly, I've seen nothing to convince me that RL will take off big style in South Wales.'"
How hard have you been looking?
Quote ="WormInHand"What we really need to raise the profile is another success story like Catalans, not a continual relighting of a damp firework that may finally ignite in a decade or so.
Why force the issue when there's other places crying out for a bit of our wonderful game? Establish first with those who want it and then the others will clamour to get on board without having to be forced.'"
Where are these places? Apart from Tolouse, who are already in the development 'pipeline'?
Quote ="WormInHand"(And can we please stop replying in this "tit-for-tat" manner as all the copy and pasting is doing my nut in?
)
'"
Sorry - I didn't see this until I'd finished.
Next time I'll try a single block reply. Promise.
