It/they has/have no credibility left at all, Rich. None!

So they probably won't give a sh/t. Unless, of course, they actually want redeem a modicum of respect. In which case, they should put us in, and possibly Halifax or Barrow and get rid of some of the deadwood who should never have been given a licence in the last round - and I'm not just talking about expansion clubs either.

Exactly how I felt last time, and exactly the reason I am sceptical as to whether they will do the right thing this time. They bottled it last time, they could very much do it again because they have an agenda.



I'm saying nothing.

But your replica kit is in the post. On the back is "Little Rich Widnes Fan Number 1" and btw next time we're playing in Blackpool check into Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Widnes fans get in cheap because we're never away from there. Tell your Fax mates we're not picky, they can all join the Widnes Juggernaut.

Can I have one with " Mutants no 2 fan " please

I'm fairly confident of a franchise spot in two years time because I think the case for our inclusion is superb already and just getting stronger... not only in terms of our own argument but I think the goings on at other clubs can't help but assist our cause.

Plus remember that SKy gave us a B grade in their assessment. A bit of fun I know but it gives you some idea of how we are viewed. No financial issues to be used against us and improved relations between the club and the men in suits.

As for whether the RFL would screw us over again... of course they would if they wanted to. They can do whatever they want as long as it does not interfere with the big clubs in SL or their paymasters. Just look at their handling of things recently with a certain club.

They have no scrupples whatsoever...

The thing that people dont realise is that Steve O'connor has weekly meetings yes WEEKLY meetings with the RFL. He's so on the ball and hates failure, if we continue the way we are i would be absolutely shocked and devasted to the point where i think i would give up on the game all together if we didnt get one next time. I doubt anyone could beat our youth structure outside the top flight, add to that finances/sponsorship/stadium/best crowds outside the top flight and a winning team and we should be in.

How do you know?

Terry O'connor told me at the start of Feb that Steve O'connor is on to the RFL on a weekly basis since the last franchise decision. This was also confirmed by Steve O'connor himself a couple of months back at the player presentation evening.

Widnes were also the first club to meet with the RFL after the last franchise decision, it was an all day meeting and since then both parties have been in regular contact.

is that another box ticked.

Tez also said Fax should be given a franchise as well.

Mate if it was up to me i would have Widnes and Halifax in but i have a feeling only 1 will go up from this league. Your main problem is your home grown and youth structure and your ability to attract a major invester/sponsor.

I guess the shirts a no , no then

You can absolutely have one as long as you add yourself to the viking masses.

Just wanted something to get the chiminea going with

Still use those in Leigh eh?

Keeps us warm in the ' van '

Your right our huge sposorship with one of the biggest insurance companies in the UK need to be improved. Not like you haulage firm sposorship which your owner has or had great influence over.

You're nowhere near the salary cap so you can't be getting much from them.

So how much do they give to Halifax rugby league club?

hmmmm let me guess.

I seem to recall it was announced that it started £250k.
With increases year on year after that depending on how
well the team did. But it would seem you know exactly how much
it is if you don't consider it to be large? Admitidly it's only
from a major insurance company and not from our owners
old haulage firm. But it's good enough for Fax. How much is
the Stobart sponsorship for?

More than enough to stop us posting a loss > than our turnover



but we have done that one to death!

Stobart sponsorship's around £250K per season, think they said when SOC took over.

Balls my bet is they don't even pay you, just the council make you have it! LOL!

Stobart is enough that we don't have our shirt coated in sposnors on every inch anymore!

Of course your club has taken the descion not to have more
sponsorship money so your shirt isn't covered in sponsors!!

Indeed we have..

Not seen your finances for the last twelve months.. are they good enough to publish??
Do they feature a loss like ours being largely due to £1.8million pounds being invested into the infrastructure of the club to make sure that we will be irresistible for a Sooper Leek licence next time??...
Do they show revenue of close to a £1 million which wont be affected by the aforementioned investment??
Presumably some of any loss you may have will be caused by your world class accredited academy and youth structure that you have in place??

OR!

Are Stobart paying more to stop that happening?

Yes - that's exactly how I feel. All we can do is try to ensure that we are one of the chosen when the real decision for 2012 licenses is made (if it hasn't been made already !).