Heard from one of the managers at work that Salford and Sale are to merge and become a Manchester team with new colours club crest the lot!. Apparently Sale's BOD are planning this merger due to the club becoming stagnant regrading fan numbers, and thinks a fresh start for both clubs would benefit both for the long term future. makes you think though doesn't it? One of the lads I sit next to at the game was speaking to JW last week when picking up a ticket for his son, Wilky was outside the club shop, and according to John SRLFC need to be averaging 8000 Fans to break even NOT SPEND THE FULL CAP for that we need a 10000 average. So the club is losing shed loads of money at this present time, is a merger the only thing that will stop us doing a Bradford in the near future and keep a RL team in Manchester central?

Where has this manager got it from?

All this stuff will come down the pipeline in the next few years. I would certainly never watch a Manchester team.

I too will never watch a Manchester team, I'd rather watch Eccles. He said he has friends in high places in RU? He doesnt even watch RL either? Apparently Sale will make Salford an offer that we can't turn down! Is it finally happening what some of us all feared would do?

I think sadly this has been the plan from day one and the Salford board are trying to put out all the stops to make this stadium a success for SRLFC in its own right before a plan b has to come into fruition before the club dies.

Will I get through the remaining 4 years of my season ticket before it all goes tits up?

I'm sorry but there is no way JW will just come out with the break even figure to a normal fan outside the club shop! I'm not having any of that! Scare mongering is bound to happen from now on but I think the proof is in the pudding. If Tarry says it will reduce costs and therefore give us the opportunity to maybe spend a bit more on the salary cap I think we need to give it a chance and see what happens before we start crucifying anyone. I can maybe see some kind of merger in the future, maybe the Salford Sharks but I doubt very much Salford City council would allow it to be the home of a Manchester club really. I'm no fan of Union at all but just feel that it has now happened and we have to give it a chance. I can see a joint season ticket being brought in at some point which may result in split revenues from them or maybe 60/40 in Sale's favour as they draw the bigger crowds. I read on another post that it is now time for our fans to help and get new feople in and I agree with that and hope we get a big crowd on Monday followed up by some great rugby and a good win would be a great start of the new era.

1) John Wilkinson is the biggest gossiper in the world. He can't keep anything to himself.
2) Dave Tarry explicitly said Sale moving in would have no financial benefit for us on GMR the other week.
3) Salford Sharks? Kill me now.
4) Split season tickets with Sale getting 60/40 of the revenue? Aarrggghh!

I really do give up.

That's clearly wrong as it makes Stadium naming rights and sponsorship a far more attractive proposition, and in turn increases the potential revenue to be gained.

You're three days late.

So do I, I bow down to all of your superior knowledge. I am only a fan and enjoy going to watch my club so I'll just stick to going and watching and keep my obviously wrong 'opinions' to myself.

Iain edited for accuracy 6.18994140625:5