But chucking 'a few' quid at a pipe dream is what they now seem to want Joe, they have turned full circle in three years from slating clubs because of the reliance on one mans 'few quid' to slating them for not having a man with 'a few quid'. Do you really think that SL clubs are going to assist clubs from other parts of the country they are just hoping for hunting grounds for new talent, which those clubs will nurture and then have them whisked away. As for Director led it's just another name for another RFL quango they can waste money on, even SportsEngland have told them to get their act together in the games heartland before any ventures elsewhere and just look who's on that BoD. Every business plan I have ever been involved with has had time targets of managable proportions not a suck it and see type of structure, yes heartland clubs should help themselves but so should any other potential clubs that is business and thats what the RFL want their clubs to be so let it be but fair play to all the clubs.
And as for vague promises of new clubs within two years and TV deals we have heard it all before they need to sort out the Championships NOW not await what may happen in a few weeks or months time, and if thats doom and gloom well I call it just plain common sense. To issue a press release that promises or even states nothing but just rehashes old rumours is amateurish at best and duplicitous at worst.

No split loyalties here, I am a Bristol boy born and bred but have loved following the Leythers for the past 4 years and can see plenty of years ahead following Leigh through the good and the bad!! On the plus side if we ever do play down in brizzle I welcome any Leythers to join me for a pint of thatch before the game and then enjoy watching 3 balls all game!!! Also we do our own Clarkes pies which are superb, pound bakery can only dream about selling these!

Bristol Sonics please.

I think it's great that we may see a few teams around the country stepping up to Semi-Pro level. It may take a while for these clubs to become established and to really tap into the local-market, but from small acorns and all that...

I just dread the day the RFL start seeing the $$$'s and do something rash like the did with the Cru.

Somebody has to finish last. What does it matter if it's Hemel, Skolars, Rochdale, Leigh or Wigan that's propping up the leagues?

If these clubs can sustain themselves and slowly build their support base and player pool by a fraction over any number of years, I'd take that anyday over the $hit or bust approach applied to Paris, Gateshead and the Crusaders.

Sheffield did it the right way. They're a threat. Do I resent them? No.

You got that right, matey. When I am down there or my mates go we always bring a few litres back. Wilkins is also a good un this year.

I don't disagree with what you are saying here tbh. As a club that has been around for a while we see the success cycles and the depressing cycles. What goes around and all that.
My point, which can come across quite harsh sometimes (mainly because of the constant negativity of anything by some on here) is more to do with being competitive. Initially a new fan base would be a lot more fickle than your normal fan of a established club - ie new fans to the sport never mind the club. Same with clubs that are more established playing a new club that is a guarantee win and just a question of how many points etc can put off people that want to see a competitive entertaining game. RL is a very cruel sport when teams are mismatched, and isn't really entertaining.
Thats my fear.