I have always believed that every club has a duty to attempt to put on its best performance when it walks on to a pitch. As a consequence I believe this debate is not about should we try and come as high as possible but IF we will achieve a top four spot based on the season so far - A small but vital distinction.

I have now had the opportunity to watch 11 of the championship clubs play (thats the advantage of having too much spare time) the exception being Doncaster (I am not sure i have missed much). Based upon this I would make the following comments:-

- The standard of referees in the league remains below expectation, whilst i feel they are actually working better as a "team" this year the guys in the middle are making some serious mistakes. I believe that this is down to both a lack of empathy with the players and a level of fitness that means they struggle for parts of the game. Given this it remains very feasible that the top four places could, if the league remains close, come down to refereeing mistakes over a season....contra to belief there is no mathematical logic that "decisions even themselves out over a season" - they don't!

- Leigh and Bradford are operating at a higher level of consistent skill, fitness and squad strength than the other teams in the league (albeit in a one off game either could loose) so will be in the top four.
- London Broncos off season was horrendous, they have a talented group of players, but lacked motivation and fitness. They are on the up now, with real coach, and, whilst exposed to key player injury (although DR will help), will continue to improve. They will loose a few more games but will be in the top four.
- Sheffield are punching above their weight, as ever. Good recruitment, well coached, but exposed by depth of squad. Have had a relatively easy start. Fighting for fourth
- Featherstone gone backwards this year, despite recruitment and squad size. Always hard to overcome, but have they been knocked for six by Castleford's plans as they appear to have lost energy off the field? . Fighting for fourth
- Halifax, Significant improvement since last season, but lack of investment in "playmakers" has hampered development of team. Defence still suspect. Fighting for fourth
- The rest, can always cause an upset, but nothing in teams that should frighten the rest.

So for me there is just a reinforcement of my pre-season views. Fax can do it, but I seriously worry that our lack of playmakers in the key games will let us down an when we get there we will struggle to win a game.

The only thing the season proves so far (including the cup games) is you need to be full-time to stand a chance of competing for promotion and every season Fax are only Part-time, under present 8's format, will have same results. So prize money, BOD investment (above the generous amounts given now) and enhanced fans financial and physical support will all be needed. But then whats new!

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.