You can't escape the fact that Salford cynically kept promising a beautiful, futuristic looking stadium with a 20k+ capacity and an iconic design. It was done to ensure that during a couple of rounds of franchising they were awarded a licence at the expense of other teams. A lot of fans of those teams will have little sympathy for Salford.

To focus on the facility itself, what was actually built is a dreadful stadium which looks like a slightly more expensive version of South Leeds Stadium - it would be an embarrassment as a home to the English RFL / national side.

The willows has been completely demolished. So no chance of ever going back.

Cynically? Are you sure?
The club were drastically unlucky. First the casino plan was quashed. Then neolithic findings were found and had to be excavated. Apparently one of the members behind the company who were to make the "fancy" stadium died. I believe this is one of the reasons why that dream folded. The club then went down the route of getting a teaching establishment on site, but funding went elsewhere. Oh and then this small thing called a recession happened!

As for the ground. If you had seen the plans for phases 2 and 3. The 3rd phases is actually a ground that would be well worthy of being England's RL home!

But if this was to happen then it'd surely become too big for Salford (& Sale) to get anywhere near filling?

Those phases are written into the contract when certain attendance figures are triggered. All the foundations are already in place apparently as part of the initial build.

I agree with your statement. However [iIF[/i the RFL were to purchase the stadia the phase 3 build would be perfect IMO

Ah okay, sounds like a good way of doing it actually.