To return to semi pro would effectively kill RL as a sport of any consequence, any promising juniors would end up in union, we would drop further behind the Aussies and Kiwi's

TV finance underpins all major sports, none of them could operate without it at anywhere near the level they do, untimatley SL needs to have a national presence and more competition within its teams

I'd suggest at Championship level it is the opposite, Television will never be the primary income stream and a more local focus must be the aim , that requires marketing

It's not being full time that's damaging these clubs it's the mismanagement and lack of strong financial governance in my opinion. Wasn't salary cap and franchise system supposed to stop exactly what's happened happening???

For some reason when it comes to RL and indeed sports clubs generally it seems Directors and CEOs lose all recollection of core principles that got them were they are in business and fall into the trap of going away from common sense and chasing the perceived quick route to the top, hence the need for a strong finance director like we now have at Leigh Centurions and long term planning.

Simple economics, is it really that difficult?

If you spend more money than you earn in your home life at home you lose your house.

If you spend more cash than you bring in running any business you fail and lose your buinsness.

It's pretty simple really set your budget realistically and as near to worst case scenario as possible and only spend what you can afford within that budget, don't spend it if you can't generate it and a strong FD will make sure anyone who wants to spend it does it with their own cash then and won't allow them to do it in the form of an I owe your or Directors Loan, it must be done as a donation or sponsorship so not to come back and bite the club.

Set it up like a business, run it like a business and a full time self sustainable club can be ran in SL without a white knight or additional Director funding if budgeted, managed and marketed correctly not a problem it's a fact.

That is the problem. When Omar Khan came in, I pointed out that having a one man board was a ridiculous and dangerous corporate governance model for a business such as a professional sports club. Sure enough it seems that whilst good intentioned, Khan didn't have a clue what he was doing and allowed Whitcut to run riot. By the time further directors were appointed this year it was too late.

I don't know the ins and outs of what's gone on at Bradford but spending more than you earn will always end in disaster unless you have a person with very deep pockets like Mr Davy at Huddersfield.

Quite correct Andy

But, while it can be run, can it be competitive? , and if it involves relegation ( which in business doesnt always exist, a business can be well run, but still be the worst in its field and make a profit ) it needs a very strong will both by owners and fans to accept that fact, it is at this point that that will is tested

How many ' White Knights ' really know what is required to successfully run ( or worse still ' turn round ' ) a sports club?

Everybody is an amatuer when it comes to sport management

Just out of interest, did you visit the LSV today?

That is true, what I should have said is you need to surround yourself with people who are capable etc.

No, I was up in Leigh for a few drinks last night though. Why do you ask?

Capable of ?

I was working there today and I saw a youngish adult in a Warrington hoody, thought it might have been you

Good point Steve and in my opinion this is why the proposed new structure is the way to go and yen right system to give everyone with ambition the opportunity while not making it impossible for them to succeed without going for broke.

In my opinion the new system and the increased funding it brings for the top two combined with a strong board all financially contributing without wanting anything back and everything I mention above in my opinion makes it possible to get into SL as a sustainable business model go full time and go up come down while staying full time and building the club all the while.

No more poop or bust.

Good business acumen etc, there was a severe lack of that under Khan, check out Whitcut on companies house.

Not me sir, you may remember me though from the car journey to Keighley on Mother's Day 2010!

Yes I am aware of mr Whitcut's history, but Mr Khan is obviously a very astute businessman , which demonstrates just how difficult a job it is

Ah yes, you traveled home in comfort as I remember it