Nice theory but the events of that period would suggest that it didn't actually have much effect on preventing clubs overspending.

I’d say it did for Widnes. Their youth production and club in general was far better in that period than either before or after.

Licensing won't stop mismanagement, but it removes the all or nothing nature from both perspectives of promotion or relegation. The issue last time it was exclusive and not inclusive creating animosity in the game. Not to mention the effect it had on the club most likely to drop out was worse than P&R, they were effectively a dead team walking for a whole seeaon with sponsors and players unwilling to commit to the club whilst their position was up in the air.

A licensing approach with teams added as and when would be the best option for RL but the issue will always be the lack of funding to facilitate this. Even the bigger clubs are pretty much reliant on the TV money and are desperate to take more of the pie when in theory they need it the least.

We don't have a player draft system but maybe funding reflect this in a way and be awarded in reverse to truly raise standards. The bottom team get the most cash to give them the opportunity to go get the better player and increase standards. I know this won't sit well with a lot of supporters with this form of sporting socialism (particularly with the country itself cut down the middle politically on such issues outside of the game) but with the interest in the game as a whole, if the rich clubs just get richer, you're going to have an ever decreasing number of teams to play leaving a four team league.

Despite what other people may think, I do not want the Widnes club to disappear.

I do think that the Championship is the ideal location for the club, and in an ideal world there would be more financial resources --- in the form of Sky coverage and money as well as business sponsorship --- for the Championship. If we had a thriving Super League, with all SL games televised, and at least one Championship game televised, each week, then Widnes could flourish in that environment. But that dream is not going to be realised until Super League contains more non-M62 clubs --- especially London, Catalans, Toulouse, Toronto and New York --- to make it a truly national and international competition. But if that did happen the rise in rugby league's profile and popularity would mean that Championship teams would get trickle down benefits and would not likely go bust so easily.

Widnes has the decent stadium and enough loyal fans to sustain a Championship team I would think, if only the backers can be found. I hope that backers for Widnes can be found soon.

This is never going to happen, no matter where the teams are based. On your fan base criteria your advocating that London, Salford, Huddersfield and Wakefield (perhaps some others, too) should be in the championship as that is their place. You'll need a better argument, as Widnes deserved to be in the championship due to results om the field.

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There is no contradiction in the two statements that I posted. I wrote first that Widnes has too paltry a fan base for Super League, but later I noted that they a strong enough fan base for the Championship.

so where does London and Toulouse fit in with your theory

Apparently, the Toronto owner, David Argyle wants to buy Widnes's licence and start a club in Liverpool.

Let's not argue with him. He is a genius who loves The Beatles, as do I.

A surprisingly reasoned post for you , but where you are wrong is like Leigh , Widnes's stadium is geared up for SL , it doesn't work outside SL , on the numbers they will attract outside SL , they will struggle , and eventually crowds will dwindle

In effect it's better to have a dump like Wheldon Rd that makes you money rather than a modern stadium that doesn't

As I've just pointed out above , in their modern stadium their fan base doesn't work outside a licenced SL

Your best post yet !