The one thing I have learned about this thread is there are some people U' North who don't want the Crusaders to be successful

Y'know what, you aren't much different to some rugby unions fans in South Wales, who also wish the Crusaders would fail.

You have!!!

Didn't you vow never to post on RLFANS again? Too bad you didn't stick to it, since you post so much rubbish and your opinions are respected by nobody.

I really don't think that's the case. There are those who predicted that Crusaders would fail, and those that disagree with the RFLs expansion policy (or at least the means by which the RFL is pursuing expansion) but on the whole I think RL fans do not wish to see RL clubs fail. That is not in the interests of the sport we love.

So, Crusaders have been a roaring success, is that your point?

Where have I said that? They're not even into their second proper year FFS. It's pathetic that people feel the need to label expansion clubs as 'a success' or not and write them off. Would you look at Salford, Warrington etc in the same way? The insular attitude of a lot of RL people is absolutely ridiculous and it's no surprise that rugby union has gained so much more penetration into the global market with a far inferior product. Thankfully, with forward-thinking administrators now in charge these fans have no influence whatsoever over what happens.

But if the backer withdraws, what then?

I don't want Crusaders to fail, I think expansion is good, into proven areas (Catalans), I just think some decisions are made for the wrong reasons. To sanction moving the club 31 miles from Widnes is a real kick in the preverbials to Widnes fans.

With the immigration breaches etc. you can understand the opinion that Crusaders was flawed, it was too soon for the club, in some people's opinions.

How can expansion involve placing clubs in proven areas? That doesn't make any sense. Crusaders are not moving to Wrexham, they are playing two games there because Rodney Parade is unavailable. I don't really know why they moved from Bridgend, but if a new stadium is built there then they will have a permanent home. Crusaders will be fine, they will be competitive on the field next season and hopefully will be able to develop a fan base in Newport. I've not seen any evidence that Samuel is planning to pull out, and I'm sure that the club would have not moved to Newport against his wishes. To be honest the Guardian article looks like a rehash of some of the paranoid postings on the official Crusaders message board rather than anything of substance.

We shall see I guess, although I trust a Guardian journalist over a fan.

Maybe you should stop believing that Rugby League journalists know anything about the game then.

Why exactly , what relevance is there to Widnes , yes they are trying entice some fans from north wales but it really wont bother them

The fans of Celtic Crusaders on the other hand I feel some real sympathy for , they have trawled up and down the country for 3 seasons to many clubs that can in all honesty be described as ' unglamourus ' following their new team , and now it seems they might have that club/team playing 2 hours away is a discrace IMO

The other issue is the young players that have been attracted to playing RL [ notice I have not stated that the CC club has ' produced ' these players but can claim some part in their development ] in the south Wales area , who now may end up feeling that they have made a mistake , which once again will be a waste of potential to grow the game both in the area and at international level

So the question should be , Should the RFL finance the Crusaders club for the rest of the current franchise period if a suitable backer cannot be found ?

My answer would be yes , as long as it is all done out in the open

I'll believe:

Performances
Crowds
Recruitment

all look quite worrying for Crusaders at the moment.

As I have said, via PM which you haven't had the decency to reply to, I hope Crusaders become viable, and if they don't, I hope the RFL have the guts to make the right decisions at the right time. As with any other SL club.

They finished bottom
The crowds are low
They have abandoned the "Celtic" bit
They have recruited nobody (as far as I know)
Their main backer is looking to reduce his stake at least, if not pull out.

Is that a defintion of success?

I'm quite confident Crusaders will still be around and come out of the other side of this a better club.

All this talk is based on one article don't forget.

If Leighton Samuel was to walk away then Brewery Field Limited are rumoured to be lining up a takeover. Let's hope so. There is so much potential if this club starts doing the basics right and letting the club grow naturally.

If the worst came to the worst and the club went under then there are enough fans down here to give it another go. Don't write us off just yet though.