In some ways this is the key debate about sport in a town like Halifax.

The Rugby team in recent years have achieved a solid foundation on the field, a sense of heading in the right direction from the outside and the look that they are now run in a "proper" way. But this has only been achieved because of the generosity of Tony and the other directors who have put considerable funds and time into the club. They will be helped going forward by an improvement in the funds distributed to them, but this does place them in an "arms race" so they need to recognise this and plan for the long term, which will see ups and downs.

From the outside the football club also looks like it has been well run, on field success has been matched by prudent public pronouncements and a feel of progression. They are now experiencing a difficult time on the field and in many ways this will be the first significant test of the Board. You learn more about yourself in times of stress than any other.

In reality the town needs both teams to do well. In the present economic and political climate the stadium requires two successful clubs both paying their way. We have to be mindful of what the clubs realistic ambitions are but equally we should be pushing for both of them to achieve success on the field....even if you only support one team.

One of my biggest concerns is that there is no long term plan for the Shay, other than stopping it fall down. I am not sure if this requires it to be privately or council owned, ( I can see merit in both arguemeets) but what it does need is a new open debate, with each club involved and a coherent Plan devised, otherwise we will be going around the same loop for years. Someone like MBI are ideally placed to co-ordinate this type of open debate.

To be honest it's never worked well as long as I've had it, this doesn't mean that it shouldn't get fixed, this type of application is now the first thing people come to so it needs to work well.

I totally agree Norman. It's the way of the world these days and what's more it's free!

Milfs and beer, might increase the crowds down the Shay!