When did attendances and performances on the field count for anything? They have a new stadium on the way and have the potential to attract all of Manchester haven't they?

Salford have quite an expansive junior development program, infact, it causes a certain amount of jealousy amongst the St Helens club. To the extent they complained to the RFL, in an attempt to shut it down. FACT.

Now please, engage your brain and don't bother telling me Salford don't produce anything like the amount or quality as St Helens Junior development. I know!

Where were they conceived? That's important surely?

Salford have a history of picking up 16 year olds from Wigan/Saints/Oldham/Leigh junior clubs. Good on em, but any club in the area in SL would also access those players with a FT career path ie the pool isnt increased

Exactly Maurice, that, and only 2 of those players are recognised names. Any club can read down a squad list and pick out players who've played a couple of games when injuries have hit. How many are real first team names? 2?
Widnes at least are looking into the west cheshire area and hoping to expand there, I'd like Salford to look at developing a little further afar than poaching players from Wigan/Leigh service areas. My own club is guilty and this and been pretty poor in the junior development stakes over recent years, the difference being, in this franchise period we've won 2 trophies, sat near the top, average 10,000+ and have only 6 overseas players. Its alright claiming 'only had a couple of years line' but i'd bet anyone Widnes have a higher average finishing position after their 3 years.
Its all opinion, and thats just mine. Salford are a worthwhile club but i'd like to see a bit of movement between the divisions, if Cru dont get their act in gear they're next in line for me

Quote: Saint Simon "It should be pointed out that for a relatively minor sport, and a team from that sport that arnt doing particulary well, and with a Manchester football cup semi final derby on at the same time, its not an outrageous attendance, but its a stupid time and day to hold it!'" menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... hs-verdict interesting to see sale got 17k for there game....can't see that it was mentioned, so there was a definite appetite for rugby in manchester while the semi was being played

Quote: Saint Simon "It should be pointed out that for a relatively minor sport, and a team from that sport that arnt doing particulary well, and with a Manchester football cup semi final derby on at the same time, its not an outrageous attendance, but its a stupid time and day to hold it!'" menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... hs-verdict interesting to see sale got 17k for there game....can't see that it was mentioned, so there was a definite appetite for rugby in manchester while the semi was being played