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.

well thats the difference between "profit" and cold hard cash. They generated 1 million profit this year by some means or other (in part writing off director loans?) - having the cash going forward is another matter altogether.

"No debt" does not equal "Has money"!

Ignoring ALL threads and posts where this has been explained I see.

FFS Haven't you lot got something more important to worry about? Lose tonight and you can just keep out of all franchise discussions and let the big boys talk!

if you actually bother to fully assimilate the information available on this topic you will see that Thacks has been offered contracts with superleague clubs we simply cannot match, given the **** poor excuse for a salary cap in the championship, the VIQI involvement is to raise money to fund his role as a community development officer, which does not count to the salary cap and would bring his wages overall into line with the offers made by super league clubs. and before anyone shats themselves over that, its nothing new and every club does it with a number of players.
also, why would you go splashing the cash if your almost certain to want that money in 12 months to sign some superleague smashing beasts?

I would welcome Widnes back into SL, but they only better the above mentioned teams on the stadium, if we are to throw anyone out purely based on the stadium they have, its a poor way to run a sport. The criteria must be broader than that.

Personally, I would opt for P&R, always have, always will, it's the fairest method to be judged on, being old school I don't have a problem watching my rugby in any ground as its not the bogs, bars and restaraunts I go for.

Widnes deserve a shot at it, as do other clubs and if they are not going to expand then its the poorest team over the franchise that should be thrown out, not the one whos baby changing facilities don't match Mothercares.

i believe youth is another major factor.. we have very very good youngsters..

Money, we have lots of.. so its not mainly due to the stadium now is it?

Has news of the "salary cap" not reached Leigh yet? They could have made £10m profit and not been able to keep their star players.