rlSays the RFLrl

Castleford Tigers

Castleford Tigers provided a well presented and authored application, detailing realistic, intelligent and achievable strategies for future commercial and supporter growth. However the strategies and targets are to a degree based upon the move to a new facility in 2013. At present Castleford are a well-run, sustainable club that lives within its means and produces above average numbers of Super League quality players. Whilst hamstrung by an inadequate facility, and the restrictions on commercial revenues and supporter base this causes, the club makes a good contribution to the Super League. Significant growth of the business is reliant upon the club moving to the proposed new stadium to enable further investment in management, first team squad and player production. The significant challenge for the club in the next Licence period will be to move to the proposed new facility. Grade C.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ application confirmed that new ownership has injected enthusiasm, capital and business acumen into the club. The business plan provided achievable targets for growing the business, and a realistic strategy to reach these targets. Wakefield’s performance on the field and player supply across the current Licence period has been acceptable and their community programme is excellent. However commercial, financial and governance performance in this Licence period has been poor, with the club entering administration in February of 2011. The club continues to face a number of challenges. The stadium position is uncertain, and the significant challenge for the club will be to deliver the commercial and supporter growth required to allow the club to trade in a sustainable manner whilst improving competitiveness on the pitch. Grade C.

Certain Wakey posters do actually believe that they came out above Cas.

There are positives and negatives for both clubs and I wouldn't want to get into a p***ing contest with our neighbours about who comes out on top.

The interesting thing for me that came out of the summaries is that there were numerous holes in the Halifax application making it impossible for them to be given a franchise and that 2 clubs were acknowledged as operating at a level exceeding their income courtesy of board investment - Huddersfield & Hull KR.

and Harlequins

"Huddersfield acknowledge the continued support of Ken Davy to operate at their current level" - B grade

"Hull KR benefit from director investment to operate at the level that it does" - B grade

Quins - "the club remains dependent on the financial support of its Chairman" - C grade

You would think that these would be massive minus points against each club.

"At present Castleford are a well-run, sustainable club that lives within its means" - C grade (Just scraped in if you believe all you read)

Egging people on to do what?

Stating a fact, that's all.

"Not much to choose between us from those write-ups"

Exept this:-

"However commercial, financial and governance performance in this Licence period has been poor, with the club entering administration in February of 2011. The club continues to face a number of challenges. The stadium position is uncertain"

Don't think Quins, HKR, Salford or Hudds come into that category.

Wakey were saved by the Welsh falling on their sword and Halifax's incompetance.

In his response to the RFL feedback RW says "We (the Board of Directors) could spend money that the club hasn't got to achieve short term success and run the risk of going into bankruptcy."

A sensible and at first glance commendable approach but shouldn't he be questioning his/the club's inability to generate more revenue. If we are as potless as our recruitment/pricing strategies suggest and the future currently holds only bankrupcy or championship rugby in store for us, then the time must be approaching when the BOD should invite offers for the club. In the likely event of no serious/viable interest the divisive arguments about the merits of the current management would be largely academic and a more unified/focussed effort by club and fans may result.

I think we all know what the main restriction is increasing revenue...

Do we though? The BOD apologists point to the stadium issue and I accept that the two relegations will have impacted massively but I can't recall much in the way of aggressive/speculative recruitment activity since the early 90s. Whatever the reasons I think we've reached the point where it would be in the club's best interests for the BOD to either sacrifice or vindicate themselves by expressing a willingness to consider buy-out proposals. If no-one comes forward we might not like the continuation of the current regime but we'd have to lump it.....and hopefully move forward together (without the Wakey-type motto)

If I'm missing the point Bonzo perhaps you could give us a clue as to where else the revenue flow is blocked.

I think you have made some very good points there

Lottery needs re-vamping - £2 per week maybe ?

I would also look at getting rid of the contractors who pay a yearly rent for the Burger vans, Coffee stall, Pie & Peas stall excetera. There is more money to be made by doing this "in-house".

Ive never understood why we dont do that.