I am not going to rise to Howard Posner's analysis of the 'Fax shortcomings, this season, other than to comment that it may have looked different if Miles Greenwood were still at Fullback! That's not to criticise James Saltonstall, arguably the outstanding player so far, but he would have contributed in another position. The modern approach is to play a 'pivot' at Fullback, Scrum Half, Stand off and Hooker. Because of Miles' injury we haven't had that luxury, up to know.
However, I do want to emphasise what I said at last week's Fax Forum. There was no pressure on Richard Marshall to target the top 4 (and thus the middle 8s) this season. His brief is to entertain, and if that generates a Middle 8 place, so much the better.
Fax's central funding this season is £200K because we finished 3rd in last season's Championship, or 17th overall. 17th overall in 2015 and beyond means winning the Championship Shield, and the funding next year will be the same.
Bottom of the middle 8s will increase central funding to £450K (Featherstone this year), second bottom £500K (Leigh this year), third bottom and loser of the 'million pound game will each get £787K (London and Bradford this year).
We are not planning for a backward step, although it could happen. Any forward step has such financial significance that a Club can recruit to consolidate and then move forward. Our ambition for the rest of this season is to maintain our present league position and thus enter the middle 8s, use the increased funding to ensure a reserve grade and to consolidate next season, leading to reserve grade and full time the season after.
But it won't be achieved on Home Gates of 1122! Bring a Friend (or three).
Michael Steele

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.