Absolutely fair point--each situation is different. However there are already some worrying similarities with our summer saga, not least the way the players and fans are being kept in the dark. What the Salford fans/players need is a clear statement from the RFL that they are on top of the situation and are working to produce a solution-- however different that might be from ours. I just hope the top brass have learned some lessons.

I guess that somethings are going to be common to most of these situations, one is that there must be some lack of business sense involved, even if there [iare[/i calls for desperate measures for desperate times...

Second there will always be a tendency to keep cards close to the chest, and I accept that much of this is pretty inevitable either to retain business confidence and/or prevent rivals from knowing he true situation - if your suppliers lose confidence in your ability to trade then you can kiss your business goodbye. Sadly, it's impossible to inform fans without simultaneously telling the world.

I guess any statement from the RFL would have to take into account what the Reds' management are saying, if the RFL come out and say, "we're standing right behind the club, ready to help", when the club are saying, in effect, "problem, what problem"? (as they appear to be doing) then it may be construed as undermining the board - so damned if they do and damned if they don't, to be honest.

That said, as you say, let's hope they put into practice all they learned and bring it to a successful conclusion.

This problem of clubs going bust will not stop until the RFL apply strict, financially sound tests on all the financial reports submitted by the franshisees prior to the granting the franshises. This will not happen until the next round of bids. In the mean time the RFL are like rabbits in headlights and as for learning - did you see that pig fly past.

The Bulls bid was in the top 3 soundest bids submitted, they went bust within 18 months. Most clubs are in a parlous state, if the RFL wanted 100% guarantee on viability we would have a SL of 6 clubs. Virtually every post you write slags of the RFL, I am yet to see a sensible solution to the financial crises most sports clubs, not just RL, find themselves in.

What on earth are you talking about? How can you apply a "strict test" to a plan for FUTURE business? What do you want the RFL to do - appoint a feckin clairvoyant?

Each Government of the Day has appointed a Clairvoyant they're called the Chancellor of the Exchequer and it doesn't work!

rlSean Long linked with Bullsrl

Now Sean Long is being linked with our club as the uncertainty around the Reds continues. Hopefully the dealings are honest and upfront with Salford as with the Sidlow deal.

So [ithat's[/i how we're going to cover scrum half when Luke Gale is injured

Well, we're not Huddersfield. Besides which, it seems that Salford have said to it's staff and players if they get an offer of secured work that they should take it with the club's blessing.

May be the RL could buy up their ground.

This would free up some money, and ease their short term cash flow problem. ?

( just an idea ! )

Salford RFL, ; unfortunatley for them are NOT too big to fail !

If credence can be given to recent comments by Salford Mayor, Ian Stuart that the Reds have already received loans from Salford Council of £1.5M, and that the Council are rejecting an ask of a further loan of £750,000 then the Reds are in dire straights in the amount of loan they need to stay alive.
He says that the Reds have a cash flow problem and have failed to pay their rent on the stadium and that fans are part of the solution.

"Fans are part of the solution", sounds like there is no-one with serious cash waiting in the wings, but they are leaving it a bit late to sort anything out for this season and it's fair to say that £750K would be a hell of a lot to ask the fans for.

Sadly I can't see a way forward for Salford. At least here at Bradford we have a potential fan base exceeding 10k which gives us some hope of future sustainability. The 3/4k Salford support is simply not enough. Perhaps if they changed their name to Manchester Reds they might be able to garner a bit more support but from what i've read the supporters would rather see the club die than see that scenario!

From the T&A today...

Contrary to reports, meanwhile, Bulls coach Francis Cummins has not tried to recruit Salford assistant coach Sean Long onto his coaching staff.

It is understood the former St Helens scrum half contacted Cummins about potential vacancies in the light of the uncertainty surrounding Salford's future.