To be fair to Nobby in this instance he probably has little choice (although he is a sucker for the overseas players). Any recruitment campaign has been thoroughly ballsed up by the fact that there was clearly uncertainty as to whether the club would survive.

Had Wrexham been confirmed earlier, he might have had a chance with some domestic players who wouldn't mind Wrexham but wouldn't want to shift to South Wales.

He could for instance have looked at Paul Johnson, or Paul King perhaps. Earlier still and he may well have had a pop for Stuart Reardon. All three have featured for Nobby in one way or another (I believe King was in a tri-nations squad (2004?)- or at least meant to be but was injured - I can't recall him actually playing for Nobby- perhaps others might enlighten). Granted he signed Lee, but I'm not sure that Tommy would have had more than one other offer if that.

Anyway, he has got some opportunity now to entice unsettled / unwanted doemstic talent. If I were him I might see whether Wire were interested in Jon Clarke - even for a season. With three hookers and options at 13, Clarke is perhaps too good a player to be out of a 17 if Mons and Higham are ahead of him (assuming they were). An easy move for Clarke without having to up sticks, so could be worth a pop.

Will be interesting to see if the Sun's report about Willie Mason is true- although I'm not sure he would come. Still, if he did, he'd make a splash, though perhaps in more ways than one. He'll have to be careful on the visa front though, its all a little close to that start of the season to be putting applications through the slow turning wheels of the high commissions now.

Nobby is possible the only coach to have in the current situation. He has a habit of starting badly and bringing teams up to speed as the season goes on, which he'll surely have to with soo little pre-season.

Grendel, I am truly no fan of MT, but surely all Championship teams are feeder clubs for Super league.

If a player shows promise he his snapped up by SL. If a Championship side make it to Sl do they not acquire SL players?

Oh you're absolutely right. The concept of feeder teams is fine. Players move up and down leagues as their talent dictates and long may this be so.

The problem many of us have (and it IS many of us, even if lots of the others have simply stopped supporting RL and posting on RL messageboards) is being OFFICIALLY linked to the clueless / largely supporterless Wrexham Crusaders.

We didn't want a new club with official links to the goon Turner's 9yppo outfit.

As predicted the WRL / RFL ignored that, as Welsh Rugby governing bodies have done since time immemorial. So this is what we have. The decision required is clear (although I may rethink mine).

For what It's worth, the new owner, Phil Davies has addressed a few posts to me on this matter (on Terrace-culture's South Wales RLFC nee Crusader XIII messageboards) and he has been open and honest about the situation.

That threw me a bit. I was not expecting honesty and openness in ANYTHING to do with Welsh rugby. It's kinda hard to be against something when you are treated with honesty and respect. Shame the Crusaders management never thought to try that.

I am just concerned now, that when the Wrexham Crusaders fold (as I am sure they will - within a single season) that they might scupper the Neath team too, because of the links insisted upon by the RFL / WRL.

Grendel, it is time for a new begining, I think it is a ideal opportunity for south wales, to grow and go it alone, yes you maybe a feeder club, even the wildcats feed players to Leeds etc..., all I can say is, set up the club, get people backing South Wales, players will come, Welsh players that want to play for a welsh team, and you will climb the leagues, I wish you luck, and hope the club is successful, I will be keeping a eye on the scores....

C'mon you South Waleeesss...!!!

Wrexham Crusaders will fold for Widnes. I just hope further down the line South Wales will be in as the only Welsh team coming from true expansion and full of Welsh boys.

All this stuff about feeder clubs and dual registrations annoys the hell out of me. I supposrt a championship club (Cougars) and most of us here dont want any SL ringers in our team, we want genuine Keighley players, who want to play for Keighley. Fair enough if they're good enough to play for a SL club and leave, good luck to them: but we don't want SL players who can't quite make it inot their own team just using us as a match training exercise, with no interest in our club, supporters or anything else. We are Keighley, not Leeds/Bradford reserves, and we'll stand or fall on our own merit, ta very much!

Since this has found its way back to the top and peolpe don't usually check dates of postinhs, I'd like to reiterate that my position regarding Wrexham Crusaders has mellowed a little (though JUST a little).

My opinion of what we should be though, is the same as Mick W's opinion of his team.

I was rather disturbed to see MT on the touch line on Sunday

Oh sweet mercy he wasn't was he? (I didn't go in the end).
Ah well, it's a fait accompli now. We'll just have to hope he doesn't plan to screw us over again between now and when we earn promotion (when it's Phil's stated aim that we go fully independent).
Who knows? Maybe Turnip actually feels a little guilt about betraying us and wants to help us get a properly funded and managed league side.
Nah I don't believe it either, but what other choice do we have?

he was on the touchline at the end when the interviews were going on probably keeping an eye on the loan boys. must admit thought seeing him stood there made me feel like i'd been told i got aids.

i thought you'd gone as i saw mini me and assumed you'd be with him.