Early Bath, what makes you think Cipriani would put stacks on the attendance? Hasn't had that effect for Sale, so not sure why it would for us?

Talent Spotter - What makes you think he hasnt put numbers on? Lots of Sale fans (thousands I believe) apparently have given Barton a miss.

The point I am making is that there are many RU players who would pay for themselves with gate increases and maybe the Directors could make an appropriate deal for them if they did achieve increases.

Times have changed and we must look for better players and with the RU season near to the end there may be opportunities to give many RU players (esp Forwards) a trial. Little to lose judging on the size of our pack.

I wonder if Graham Lowe could use his persuasive powers to entice Sonny Bill Williams to have a trial with us?

It does actually state on Wikipedia that he's expected to return to Rugby League after the Japanese 2012-2013 season.

Now that would be a marquee signing. Anyone know when the Japanese Rugby Union season finishes?

EB most of RU's strike players who would adapt well to SL are Pacific Islanders and on better money than they could get with us even if we did go to the full cap ,
I cannot think of any RU player who would have a ' Watkins effect ' with us in todays game.
However to speculate draft in an Adrian Morley , a Gareth Hock or a Darren Lockyer, that would create press & raise more interest

That's just a minor technicality. Strange they haven't added him to their 2013 player profiles yet.

So thousands of Sale fans have swerved Barton despite the signing of 'crowd puller' Cipriani, only to be replaced by a couple of thousand members of the Cipriani fan club?

Taking a look at some union players could be worthwhile, but there are not many that would make a big difference to attendances.

I don't think any one player is going to be a long term crowd puller until we are competitive on a consistent basis. Even if we signed Billy Slater tomorrow we wouldnt get an increase in crowds long term. Yes there would be more people there for his debut and maybe a few games after that but if we a not competitive those people will fade away again - Billy Slater or not. Being competitive is what is going to pull long term fans in - games where we are always in with a shout - games that really get the nerves and emotions going - games that make you want to come back. I believe the real recruitment will begin next off season but really take effect in two years time.

If I’m being completely honest I haven’t had those nerves or felt any real adrenaline watching Salford since 2006 when we last made the playoffs. I can remember attending big games in the 70’s and 80’s at the Willows and I’d be literally shaking with the tension and the atmosphere. I can understand why others have drifted away and I really hope things can be turned around with some investment and that people get behind the club again in greater numbers.

I think for many people they are attracted to games against the big clubs if they believe the team has a great chance of winning rather than just hoping for an upset.

anyone think that the only standing section behind the sticks has discouraged some people coming to games?... does anyone feel that if they moved the standing section to the side of the pitch (like the shed) we will get the atmosphere back and draw more spectators in? - I know we dont own the ground but IF Koukash did who would like to see this?

Yes. We look and feel like outsiders behind the sticks. Let's get a plan to restore standing down the east stand. Even with a winng team it will be hard to generate a 'home' sound unless we do this.

One obstacle I can see with this is the depth of the terracing. Isn't seat terracing a different depth to standing? A higher depth for standing may not comply with ground safety regulations.

Both South and East are the same gradient. If you look at some of the pics for the mythical Phase 3 of the stadium, it has a lower tier of standing on three sides and an upper tier of seating.

As I said on facebook, rails seats could be a solution (aka "safe standing"icon_wink.gif. That way it can still be an all seater (and higher price) stand for internationals, semis, Sale games, women's football or whatever may be played there.

It might help if the SMC knew what rail seats are...

rlThe takeover has lifted everyonerl
anybody under any doubt how disruptive our preseason was should read this , I think Wild expressed similar sentiments last week .


Says Jewitt is still only 25, and if this change in attitude is mirrored by the other 10 or so players who deals end in 2013 it should be good news