proud to be a cas fan

To be honest, I couldn't give a toss what most opposition fans think.

Some of them are so misinformed that they believe everything that comes out in the media and very rarely are both sides of the coin shown fairly.

For instance, our stadia issues have been presented as if we're sat on our thumbs when the reality is that we a) don't want to be and b) it's outside of our control. Reality is that no matter what we want to do, we can't do because it's in the hands of others and we simply cannot rock the boat. Nor have the full facts of the preceding 6/7 years been given fairly either.

By the same token, they ridicule and demean our ground at every given opportunity. Yes, it's old; yes, it's past its sell by date and yes, it isn't conducive for a SL outfit looking to increase its commercial income and grow as a club. That's why we've taken steps to address the situation by looking to move to a new stadium. But we cannot do anything about the economic climate, just as other club's can't. We didn't ask for it to happen and it's sad but it's tough. We have to get by and we don't have the cash to plough into Wheldon Rd particularly when situation with GH could change tomorrow, or in five years. We've been in a catch-22 for a very long time. Now we're looking at temporary arrangements that may at least cover us for a stay at WR until the situation is resolved or for a more permanent development at WR.

Financially, we lose a lot less than other clubs per annum and we're at less than a Super League average. I believe the SL average is around £600k and we lose around £250-£300k per year in a bad season. Our debts are mostly owed to our owner and shareholders, not externally and our payments to HMRC (AFAIK) have always been up to date and we don't owe anything in that respect. We've never been into administration like 2 other clubs in Super League and one on the cusp of going into admin like another, before it found salvation. In the same vein, we've always tried to balance the books and compete in a fair manner without spending what we don't have.

In terms of the other ideologies of licensing, we actually strive to improve and are surpassing many of the other so-called larger clubs. We have one of the best youth systems outside of Saints, Leeds and Wigan with 12 homegrown players in our 17 the other week (no mention) with many going off to other clubs to ply their trade. We have also reduced our overseas quota whereas others have continuously relied on more overseas players and exemptions.

On-field performance has let us down unquestionably and that has been the underlying disappointing factor. But despite the poor economic backdrop and similarly a poor season last year we actually GREW our ST holders/memberships, when other clubs (I believe) saw falls. Our attendances are poor recently but that's borne out of frustration, disappointment and general lethargy on the field. But we still contribute by taking fans to other games and we are extremely stubborn in that we stand by our club. A modicum of success would be instrumental to Castleford; it would unite the town. Despite our failings, we still have crowds that beat Salford, London and rival the likes of Huddersfield (4.5k for a top of the table SL team?) and Widnes. And I have no doubt that with top eight rugby or winning more games would see us rise to be a strong contender for getting bigger crowds.

What this club needs is not this continual poking from rival fans and the media (let's face it, we've been struggling with the tide with this continually season upon season) but some TLC and a little faith. Steve Gill is an immensely proud man and CEO; he is proud of Castleford, the club and everything means a lot. The new Commercial Team, from what I hear, are making great strides in repairing relationships with former sponsors across the community and we have a new director in Steve Vause, who is a long term sponsor to the club and is also a man of strong business background.

That's what Castleford needs - a team of people with strong business experience and a bit of passion. SG has already succeeded in what SF said he couldn't do in getting new people on the BoD. We may get zero help from those outside of Castleford but the best we can do is not give them any more excuses to poke us. And that's by providing a siege mentality.

Some believe this ship may be going down with a hole in its rudder; but I tell you now, whilst I have breath in my body I'll be the guy in the boat with a bucket trying to throw out the water whilst my fellow Cas fans look to make some emergency repairs to where it has been breached.

Our club, our Cas. Be loyal, be loud, be Cas, be proud. Two mottos we've had and two that we should utter at every given chance. Glory fan I am not.