Quote: Offside Monkey "All very fair points.
but.....
Whilst the current London Broncos aren't exactly breaking our southern glass ceiling, it doesn't mean they're doing nothing and certainly doesn't mean that they couldn't do a much better job.
Now, down under, Melbourne are partly owned by the ARL. Wouldn't it be an idea to find a backer, or negotiate with the current owners in order to create a situation where the RFL are taking some of the responsibility for the running of the club?
We're constantly reminded that London are there to benefit the game, so shouldn't the game try and benefit London?'"
The last sentence is key there. To what extent you believe that statement would be how you judge whether the RFL take responsibility for running the club.
We all know that RL clubs are in the main blackhole into which money is poured and virtually nothing can escape.
The RFL taking a share in a club creates a conflict of interests. As the RFL decide who should be in which competition. You can see the law suits coming if there was an occasion to remove a club from a league and if that club was in competition with London well the lawyers would have a field day.
There is also the extent of the blackhole, should the RFL pump in? Should the cap be removed from London? Should London have unlimited funds? Should the RFL fund London to the point where they are a top 8 side again, a league winning side, till crowds top 10,000.
It's not a simple thing to say the RFL should control London, after all it is a competition, not a co-operative. Hughes has pumped in vast amounts season after season. I am not a person who would say London should not be in SL, as because as far as I am aware they have never been up for relegation. However I am dubious about the value placed on a London side to SL.
Gillingham maybe the answer for them and if it is great. But a club is not just about making a side, it's about history, about were you are from, or where your parents are from. It's what entertains to a point, but how many Saints fans go, despite the entertainment.