it seems like Gateshead are effectively a new club (new parent company anyway), so a) it doesn't make sense to deduct 9 points from a new club and b) they would need to apply, as a new club, just like anyone else, to come back into the leagues.

Now to borrow GLOW's well-worn argument, why should they automatically be accepted into the Championship? Does Leigh not have a stronger case? If, in a straight fight, the RFL would pick a very weak Gateshead club, then I think that would be an absolute disgrace.

You do know the RFL dont like Leigh.

On a serious note i hope you come back up, it's rather boring representing Lancashire (sod Barrow) were on our own and ideally we would like a decent derby game.

Apparently Gateshead's rescue bid 'gathers pace' news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 326982.stm No mention of how it could/would affect Leigh though.

Apparently Gateshead's rescue bid 'gathers pace' news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 326982.stm No mention of how it could/would affect Leigh though.

Well has as been said thats up to the RFL.

I,m of the opinion that Oldham is a bigger concern for their fans their club us and them ie the RFL.

All we can ask is that the RFL be fair when they make their decision Surely they should only be able to apply for the champ 1 league or can they ask to stay in championship.

would it really be in gateshead's interest to be in the championship next season with gates of 500 and no wealthy backer.regardless of what happens to us they would be better off in champ 1 and give youth a chance.who knows long term it could work out better for them

If the RL Board of Directors accept Gateshead's application then I think they will be admitted to NL2 and we will escape relegation
If however the application is refused and Gateshead are no more then we will be in NL2.
As the RL are trying to expand refusing the application would be a step backwards and raise questions about the waste of money on producing a team in the North East. I think the last club in Gateshead folded in about 1934, weeks after signing Syd Abram from Wigan as player coach in a blaze of publicity.
I dont think that the Board will want to lose face over this but then again it is the RL.

Knowall How long did it take you to find out about Syd Abram ? I don,t recall you mentioning that to me before.PS when did you last go to an away game?

That is a distinct possibility.

IMO they cannot restructure if Gateshead are relegated. If they want to restructure do it next year then WE ALL KNOW THE RULES. To bring a rule in retrospectively will be challengeable in court especially if they apply a 9 point deduction to the season just gone, thus moving us even further from the relegation spots.

The RFL desperately need some good press, and 'doing the right thing' might just help them, especially after England receive two huge tonkings in the next fortnight

Just a thought, but surely the RFL cannot do an adhoc restructure of the leagues without the backing/support of the majority of clubs chairman?

Bit of a moot point with a gun at your head.

But, yes - you would think so.