It is essential for us to finish top 4. If we do finish top 4 and we go on to lose all the games in the middle 8 that doesn't really matter in the short term. We need the extra funding so we can hopefully help RM add to the squad and we also need to show ambition to attract better players. If you satisfy yourself with lower championship rugby then all you will ever attract will be lower championship standard players. Of course this may not help the crowd levels but I suggest that unless we get back into SL then crowds will not increase anyway.

I have been a fan of Halifax RLFC since the days of Maurice Bamford so have seen many ups & downs over the years, but one thing I am certain about is that the fan base will not improve significantly until the club invests in quality players & is competing to win championships. I admire the BOD for the way they have kept the club going over the years in very difficult circumstances, but without investment in the club, we have to accept we are where we are, and just keep plugging away until someone or a group of people come along with a large amount of money to invest!

It's different for the die-hard Fax supporters (including most on here) because we'll go and support the team regardless, but for the new or "casual" attendee there has to be something special to get them to hand over around £20 of their hard-earned cash. A winning team, playing some classy, skilful rugby will attract newcomers - and maybe keep them coming again and again - and eventually turn them into one of the die-hards.

I think Michael's comments around RM's brief being to entertain is spot on - but unfortunately we're not quite ticking that box yet...

Johnny Freeman Fan Club have PM'd you.

Thank you I have replied.

Felt my opening post on this topic may have been a bit hasty...if it was it was only one week too early.