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

This thread got a mixed response as expected,but the last 2 responses from Mssrs
Posner and Steele certainly made it worthwhile !

Nice post and hear hear to that.

- 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
there plans have been thrown out

Superb post Mr Steele,

Without doubt the biggest challenge the Club faces is trying to increase crowd numbers the Club could do so much more with a healthier fan base . A couple of days ago I posted on Facebook asking if anyone would be interested in forming a group , to exchange ideas or offer help in boosting crowds on a matchday . So I am asking on here as well , would any of you be willing to come along to a meeting I had quite a few replies offering help but some people can`t make mid week and wanted a conveniant town location .
Any ideas are welcome and we need help from a wide age range too ,this is for anybody who has just that bit of extra time , ideas and energy to commit to increasing crowd numbers .
This may include leaflet delivery , chatting to people in the town centre as we have a stall in the Summer and one at the gala where help may be needed . Passing out leaflets to pubs , clubs , hairdressers , barbers , coffee shops restaurants and coming up with some new ideas we could try which will add to the good work the Club and CCT already do .
If midweek is bad for most does anyone know if it`s possible to have the bar at the Shay on a Saturday lunchtime `ish or any other location that would be conveniant .
This is not about why people don`t come any more this is about ideas to get lost fans back and cultivating new ones , we have nothing to lose by trying this and everything to gain.

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.