Quote: HXSparky "Single big money backers are the nemesis that eventually results in the downfall of clubs. All clubs need backing of some sort, but when it's down to one individual it's a recipe for disaster unless there's sustainability in other parts of the club, along with a plan B should said individual walk away.'"
I completely agree. Rugby League has been particularly vulnerable to fickle white knight sods because we are a relatively small sport where even modestly wealthy people can have a dabble. But we collectively never seem to learn the lessons and time after time a club is left in a perilous position after falling for the promises.
Just off the top of my head, there's been the chap at Feath who promised the world, going back a few years the one at Wakey, Leyton Samuel in Bridgend, the man who walked away from Donny after getting them to a good point. They all want to play at being owners but will simply sod off when they get bored or their tiny pot of cash is mysteriously not enough to achieve their Superleague aspirations. Bad enough to have these characters come on the scene when you have a CHOICE in the matter. At Bradford, the last two tinpot owners, who had the collective wealth of my daughter's piggybank, were foisted on us by the RFL who then act perplexed when we go bust again as a consequence.
I feel for the fans who endure the rollercoaster caused by becoming the playthings of these moderately wealthy people, but it will only keep happening.