Franchise announcement

Quote: Mr Dog "Is it really that clear cut? I'd certainly be very worried if I was a supporter or official of Cas or Salford.

1. Ground - clearly Salford ahead with their new ground under construction, Wake next with a potential B grade after proposed improvements to BV with Cas a distant 3rd (the rules had to be relaxed to allow them promotion in 200icon_cool.gif. Both Cas and Wake in the same boat with regards a new ground. Wake do have an idea when a final decision will be made whereas with Cas it really is all smoke and mirrors so far as funding is concerned.

2. Crowds - clearly Salford last (av 4350 over franchise period) with not much to choose between Cas (av 7080) and Wake (av 6210). BUT Wake have much greater potential being a city as opposed to a town and the fact that Cas' crowds are approx 20% of the town's population means they've got a pretty saturated market.

3. Junior development - Wake should be miles in front since the RFL recently announced that their programme was one others should be emulating

4. Finance - OK Wake went bust but thanks to Crusaders this doesn't automatically exclude you anymore. Cas have no wealthy backer, Salford have Mr Wilkinson and Wakey Mr Glover. Of the 3 only Wake have stated that they can afford to spend up to the cap maximum over the next 3 years

5. On field - over the 3 years of the current franchise Salford haven't made the playoffs (yet) finishing 13th and 12th in 2009 and 2010, both Wake (5th) and Cas (7th) made them in 2009, neither made them in 2010 (Wake 11th, Cas 9th). Cas look most likely to make them this year.

And but wasn't it that nice chap Mr Caisley who at the onset of SL said something along the lines of 'if small town clubs such as Castleford are still in SL in 10-15 years time we will have failed'? Maybe the decision won't be what everyone expects.'"

Who says manipulation of statistics can't give you the answer you want?

800 more on average at the gate is well over 10% more or at £20 a head £16,000 a home game more! With additional food and drink revenue that equals a salary of a youngster for an entire season for every home game!

cas are most likely to make the play offs this year? No S%@$t! What you mean is, they have almost made it and Wakefield have no chance. Look at the average finishing position over the 3 years. Cas will be an average of 8th, Salford and wakefield will be on a par with Bradford if they are lucky.

Regeneration of BV? As the old saying goes, you can't polish poo. If the Fev plan of buying a stand from Scarborough FC goes ahead you may as well move in with them.

As for the city vs town argument