Although done with the best intentions (to close the gap between the Championship & SL), it's this, along with the ludicrous DR system that is heavily weighted in favour of the "parent" club, that has caused this issue. Fev have relied on DR, but especially now with Leeds in the M8's, that's not quite working as planned.

Both Leigh and Fev (albeit with very different scenarios) are having to prepare for 2019 will less funding available, and it's having an adverse affect on the closing stages of the Championship season.

Having scraped into the top 4, Fax are lucky that they won't have to make any cutbacks next season, although it's unlikely that we'll see many new recruits (given we're quite likely to end up probably bottom of the M8's). However, we of course wouldn't have been in a position to be only able to field a squad of 15 players if we'd failed to make the top 4. Did I ever mention that Fax have a reserve team?

I don't see how Feb fulfilling their fixtures is rewarding mediocrity. Bore off with your agenda now.

To be honest I don't know why Fev even said anything.
Why not just put two guys on the bench who are injured and then not play them. No one would know.

Union passed us about a decade ago..... This scenario like wakey celebrating survival just underlines how pound shop we have become....

You should mention that to Gary Hetherington!

Embarassing for a “heartlands” club

If this has been Toronto people on here would have been calling for their head. Instead they are giving fearherstone a pat on the head and going “there there.

Regards

King James

A rare occasion, some words of wisdom from you.
Having an argument with some fev friends of mine last week, them declaring that clubs like Fev are the lifeblood of the game and they develop tje talent for super league clubs. But can not get a side like a 1980’s sunday league pub side.

If the lifeblood of the game can’t field 17 players we’re in a worse position than I thought.

Lebron James is absolutely correct. West Wales Raiders failed to field 17 players and posters were saying they should be kicked out of League one and become an amateur side. It’s one rule for expansion clubs and one rule for heartland clubs in the flatcappers eyes.

Stops malpractice at the bookies, I expect.

How is the DR system to blame for Fev not having enough players?

Why? 15 players is within the laws of the game.

Because without DR, Championship clubs would need to have more of their own squad players. The cost difference would be minimal or may even be positive (given that DR players normally come with a bill to be paid), but they'd still have enough cover at the club to be able to field 17 players when the DR tap gets turned off at the end of the regular season (DR players need to have played 3 times in the regular rounds to be be eligible in the 8's).

Mediocre thinking is the reason the sport is in decline.
The alarm bells are ringing but nobody responds...