It is truly sad if clubs like Haven do go to the wall because the chance to chase promotion was effectively taken away (if it is a direct cause of their problems).

But getting back on subject a bit, doesn't this whole thread just show what a pile of e this whole franchise thing is?
I don't see any evidence that it has improved SL, but there's plenty of evidence that it's damaging the Championship.

Just who the hell do you think you are to claim that we're being supremely arrogant and don't need to compete anymore?? It's small minded attitudes like yours that undermine the sport not us you fool!!

Look around you muppet, so many more people outside of Widnes are claiming we're a shoe in for SL in 2012 and you're calling us arrogant?? How dare you!!

We've had to operate to much lowered salary cap and have used over 40 players this season due to one of the worst injury crises I can remember. Added to which our coach has been on compassionate leave for much of the season due to personal tragedy. Yet we've still made the play offs and the NRC final!!! To say that we're sticking two fingers up at the Championship and lauding it up until 2012 is not only incredibly ignorant of you but utterly disrespectful. You know nothing of our club and you clearly know nothing of the system we're now operating under or the sport as a whole otherwise you wouldn't be spouting such idiotic crap on here.

I couldn't resist.

There's nowt going on playing wise until next week for us so mischief is my current game of choice

...if you're predisposed to think that way this thread could show that yes.

I don't see any evidence that it has been detremental to SL either. Apart from the Cas/Wakey derby relegation decider, pretty much every relegated team has known their fate with 4 weeks to go to the end of the season. This year, their are 2 teams who can still finish last.....

...what, in that clubs can't be automatically promoted so therefore they will just die........not a very good business model to operate on if you ask me.
Unlike my club, the majority of heartland clubs have a deep and rich history and heritage. Regardless of what league they are in, they should still be trying to attract the community back to games, re-immersing themselves into the fabric of the community......not bitching about SL, not getting a licence and moaning that they can't get a better stadium or better players without BskyB's money.
Licencing will take a few years to "bed down"...but all in all, it's good for the game IMO.......just like the cap.

Sorry but I disagree , we have a play off game two days away and many many people who would previously be going if there was a chance of promotion don't even know we are playing , I doubt we ll get more than 1,7/800 to attend the game , we are slowly getting down to the hard core of support only , with less and less ' big game ' fans

I have attended most of the nl/championship GF s and they are the same , last year , even though it was the 1 st big final for both clubs , it was more a case of " well at least we ve ticked the box " rather than desperation to actually win it

Yes you are right , the championship clubs need to dig into their communities to survive , but just like quins , they don't have the know how or the resouces to do it

Next year will kill of some more of the less committed at all clubs even the ones that are unlikely ever to be in a position to go up , the atmosphere at all the grounds is in decline

It might be good for SL , but it defiantly isn t good for the clubs below

rlThats Widnes sorted, just need to sort out who goes down now.rl

All 2011 season ticket holders will be eligible to renew their season ticket for the 2012 Super League season at the standard ticket price.

This offer represents outstanding value for money, as there are a guaranteed three more home league fixtures in a Super League season, a competition where season ticket and admission prices would typically involve a price increase.

You have to admire their candour

You would think if they have been given the nod the RFL would say keep it to yourselves

Good luck to them though, they certainly deserve it.

Good owd RFL, still cant get rid of the dont tell anyone but... mentality. First Crusaders, now Widnes. The last franchise round cost some clubs a lot of money that would have been better spent elsewhere, looks like history will repeat itself in 2011

Anyone spending money on a bid package apart from Widnes need their bumps felt (although in reality, you have to submit to keep your hat in the ring, so to speak).

I wonder what the point of Leeds & Wigan producing a glossy franchise brochure is though?