Quote: SmokeyTA "Really? you think that Amateur Rugby in Wakefield will go to the wall if Wakefield are relegated? how many new amatuer clubs are there in Wakefield since 1999?
Hasnt there been a club in Eastmoor since 1881? You really think the team would fold because there is now only one SL club in the district and 4 semi-pro clubs?
Yes, I believe if there were only one SL club in the Metropolitan District of Wigan they would still play RL in Wigan. Similarly if there was only one club in the metropolitan district of Wakefield, they would still play RL in Wakefield.
There's hardly a hundred year old amateur set up in London. In that context, and in the context of a comparison to areas with a similar histories and amateur set ups Wakefields history of youth development is nothing to be proud of.
Whose footing the bill now? Who foots the bill if Glover walks out? Who foots the bill if Paul Caddick walks out or Ian Lenegan?'"
Smokey, I haven’t got the will to dissect each paragraph, you believe that if W.T.W were cast into the abyss the grass roots systems would stay in place ad infinitum. Whereas I believe the opposite, & only time will tell who is correct.
You side-swiped the theoretical question re: Wigan.
If the Wigan club were banished from the top table, you really believe the lads from the feeder clubs would play for St Helens, I find that preposterous.
Wakefield’s history in youth development is nothing to be proud of? It’s been a conveyor belt of talent for Leeds for many years.
Regarding your question of who’s footing the bill, I presume you mean the Welsh project, to be honest, I haven’t got a clue. I know last year it was Red Hall, not sure about this season, maybe the avid expansionist on here could have a whip-round. The next three years, well, they could become a team challenging for the G.F with a Wembley appearance under their belts, with attendances rising to 8,000. Or they may continue buying bargain basement players, bumping along the bottom, generating even less supporters & going bust, crystal ball time…
If we’re both alive & kicking in ten years, I would like to revisit the outcome, to apologise, or, await yours.