This.

Especially the leaf in the book which said "Oy, you can't sign Harris!", perhaps?

Across the board, the worst kind of person to have working for you is the person who thinks they already know it all, even after 2 minutes in the job, and who steadfastly refuses to take advice from anybody. I really don't understand why anyone would have a problem with it.

I see what you are saying, but who are these blue chip companies who are going to be put off by FC talking to the Rhinos? From my experience most sponsorship comes from local companies having a fan of the team on the BoD. That & the desire to be associated with a successful club. It's hardly Microsoft asking Apple for advice.

I disagree.

If I was going to part with any money in terms of sponsorship, advertising, investment, or even a season ticket, I would be glad to know that the people running the business had acknowledged the need to develop themselves and the organisation. Especially if theyd just stood back from the brink of oblivion.

Or we could just deny it ever happened in a Peter Hood styleeee!

If that view was expressed/acknowledged privately then like you, I'd be supportive. However, take that article upstairs to a meeting of non RL business people and my fear is that the first question would be, 'who are we sponsoring, the headmaster or the schoolboys?' It's a subservient image and story which feeds into a view of FC as inexperienced/lightweight and the club as lacking in both expertise and status.

If there was a chance of Coca Cola being main sponsor, then yes. But who are/have been Bulls major sponsors - JCT, Grattans, Greenwoods, Safestyle UK, Curryhouse, Bradford Uni/College? Are they really going to be bothered? I look forward to the day when 2 RL coaches talking to each other is front of the FT.