Quote: Roofaldo "I think the main problem with expansion is satellite clubs. They're always going to struggle unless they're put in an area where there's already a strong desire for RL (like Catalands). '"
Nail 1 - on head.
But this doesn't mean there may be sound business reasons for making exceptions; for example, I am convinced it is absolutely essential, for many reasons, that we have a London club, and those who slag it off usually know a big fat Zero about the huge strides our code has made at junior and lower levels in the Capital, on the back of SL, and which continue. Of course, this is the sort of thing you need to understand is a long game. Most critics want SUCCESS - NOW or deem it an instant failure. Personally I think we are very much best served by developing the game in London. Yes Harlequins itself is a worry but the problem is more can we afford to run it, not "should" we run it. Certainly, it would be a travesty to risk what huges strides there have been in the Capital, after all the effort we have put in.
Quote: Roofaldo "Crusaders proposed move to Wrexham would be beneficial for them as it brings them closer to the heartlands of the sport while maintaining a welsh presence in the game. '"
True. Like a pool of petrol, it is far easier to slowly spread out from a strong centre, if only because there are already people at the fringes of the pool, who have a strong interest and may already participate and/or watch clubs within the pool. But this was a quandary that the RFL couldn't win. ESL had to be just that. Slow expansion, 35 miles N/S/E/W at a time, was not what was desired.
But yes, preaching to the wholly or partially converted is very obviously a far easier proposition than virgin soil.
Quote: Roofaldo "Quins have always had a problem with attracting fans, one that is not helped by the fact the current administration of the club don't seem to WANT to attract fans, at least that's what I've picked up from their message board.'"
Well it may seem like that to some, but anyone with an ounce of sense isn't going to actually [ibelieve[/i that the Quins RL management don't [iwant[/i bigger crowds? Are they? I mean, can anyone give a single, remotely sensible reason why that would be? Barking theories aren't any help. (I know it's not your theory!)
Quote: Roofaldo "TBH, I think the smartest way to expand the game is to look at the borders of the heartland and push out into these areas. There is oppotunity for expansion. I have no doubt about this. However, expansion cannot be rushed. Many people were jumping up and down over Crusaders this season "oh they shouldn't be in SL", "they're not competitive", "the world is flat" etc etc etc. '"
As I've indicated, I agree with your 'borders' theory but it isn't seemingly what is wanted. So what DO the powers that be want? I have no clue. I have asked the question, both rhetorically and directly, for many years now. Answer is there none. What IS the aim of ESL? One club per country playing in an ESL Euroleague? Or an English SL but with half the clubs or more from abroad? Or what? A "conference" System? Two or three SL divisions with clubs from different countries in regional comps?
What I am trying to say is it is all well and good giving the French game a leg up (as we undoubtedly have with Catalans, and now Toulouse) but where are we going with this? Do we want 2 or 3 French clubs in SL? What of English clubs - we can't increase the number of games. What of future clubs in wherever - Spain, Germany, whatever we have in mind? What's the long term plan?
Maybe there isn't one. My own belief is that there is no real plan, and that the RFL are pretty much flying the future of SL by the seat of their pants, and without much of a grip on the controls at that. I wish i was wrong - but if there WAS a 5 or 10 year plan, then shouldn't we all - the major stakeholders in the sport - be in on it?
Quote: Roofaldo "Personally, I felt that it was a little too soon for them to be promoted up to SL level. But, as I love the game, I was willing to support them.
Though, I would have prefered they had these 3 years in NL1 to build their fan base and establish themselves (after all, how can you attract fans if the team gets it's ass handed to it every week?). '"
To an extent, I agree, but I think the RFL allowed themselves to be hoodwinked into thinking Crusaders had a better plan and plans for a better team than in reality they did. The debacles of the no-visa players, and now the ludicrous move from South Wales, suggest that.
So yes, I agree Wrexham as a base for Crusaders may well have a better short term prospect - but that would be getting a SL place by fraud. The RFL were convinced they were getting a SOUTH WALES team! If they are going to up and move to within 30 miles or so of Widnes, then that is clearly bang out of order, and I'm amazed (well actually not even surprised if I'm truthful) that the RFL haven't swallowed their pride and told them to fsck off with that idea and apply for C2 if that's what they plan to do. If we end up with Crusaders playing next door to Widnes then Widnes MUST be admitted to SL as otherwise Wrexham Crusaders have conned a place at Widnes' expense.
Either way, the RFL will be made to look utter planks if they allow Crusaders to stay in SL as a reward for torpedoing the RFL's South Wales dream.
Quote: Roofaldo "But I will still support the idea of expansion because for the game to survive or even thrive we need an ever increasing player pool. More clubs mean increased catchment areas, schools playing the game, and that will have a knock on effect for the rest of the game in this country as we'll have more players to pick from and reduce our reliance on overseas imports which in turn may mean we start to grow and improve our international game as well. '"
Nail 2. Head.
