I think this might be a meeting about amalgamating both leagues outside the Untouchable League.

Rightly or wrongly, the Rowley/Ashcroft school of tact & diplomacy isn't always the best way forward. As has been proven in the past.

Rowley doesnt need to say a word on the Celtic issue. Our (his) position is well documented.

He simply needs to wear a smug grin throughout the proceedings.

There must be more than this than meets the eye - why get together so far ahead of the next franchises being awarded? I do tend to think it might be talking about one division below SL, or expanding Champ 1 and not relegating the 10th placed club in the Champ.

But what do I know?

As I have said the meeting has been arranged for months so nothing to look into. Oh and we will definitely have the same league format in 2010 as we have in 2009.

Your beginning to come across as a very smug know it all Ste

12 team Conf 1,

Apparently it was made quite clear that the subject of CC was not going to be discussed.

Phil Clarke, Dave Hadfield and others now coming out and saying there was always a doubt something wasn't right about CC. The RFL distancing themselves too..."wasn't owt to do with us" ....all very predictable

Not keen on dual league idea at all!

To push Gateshead???

I am. I understand that it would detract from the competitiveness that we have now but I just can't see how clubs can survive with revenue streams as they are now. Going months without a home game does nothing for revenues and it does nothing for generating interest within the towns. How certain clubs are surviving at the moment is beyond me.

That's a case for restructuring the fixture schedule more than lumping more teams in the league. Extra home games would be offset by fans being put off by cricket scores.

Have 12 teams in Championship - each play home and away - 22 games
Top 6 play each other home and away and who ever tops that "league" wins the title for that year - 10 games. Top 6 play 32 games.

Bottom 6 play each other home and away and bottom 2 get relegated. Bottom 6 also play 32 games.

Avoids mismatches but gives clubs a decent number of games.

Similar to what the Scottish football did (or still do) in their top division...

Worth a try?

I don't think it did us much harm 8 years ago. I remember a crowd of around 3,000 for a midweek match (anyone remember them? - I used to love them) in February, against Workington and we stuffed them 72-0. There was definately a feel good factor back then.

If anything, I think playing the likes of Widnes & Halifax 3 or 4 times per season (as per SL) might keep fans away. I remember how much I used to look forward to Widnes games a few years ago when it was once or twice per year. Since the Trains Cup, where we've played them 4 or 5 times in a year, it feels like 'just another match' to me.

Also, I used to enjoy going to away matches at Keighley and Workington etc. I'd like to experience it again...just not in CC1.