...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?

True and the fact Lewis told SO'C it was fine to apply then rejected Widnes based on admin the previous season (whish he had obviously already decided) was nothing short of a disgrace.

But as we all have to sing a long to the RFL's happy tune no-one kicked up a real fuss

“I am very proud indeed to report that our club is free of debt and is in robust good health underpinned by a sustainable business plan. www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.c ... -27179196/

“I am very proud indeed to report that our club is free of debt and is in robust good health underpinned by a sustainable business plan. www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.c ... -27179196/

By producing a license application (whether the club is nailed on or not), the RFL can track the progress of the club and apply assistance if needed, or use it as an example of good practice. It also stops complacency. If a club just go in blind knowing they are fine, then there's a chance they could be falling behind in some areas they don't realise.