FORUMS FORUMS



  
FORUMS > London Broncos > Time to do the decent thing?
81 posts in 6 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
RankPostsTeam
Club Coach6035No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I think it's time the club did the decent thing. Change our name back to London Broncos, move to a smaller community stadium with no/low rent, work hard to get 1500 fans to commit to 3 years of £200 a year season tickets and drop down a league.

Time to face reality and create a sustainable club that we can all be proud of. An RL club, with a good fanbase that would ADD something to the league it's in rather than lowering the standard as we are now.

2k crowds, a union club's name and kit, high rent to a union club isn't making me smile. Let's drop down and build to SL again with a proper foundation because what we're doing now isn't gonna work.

RankPostsTeam
International Chairman4958No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 200223 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2022May 2022LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Change of name sadly I would go with! a smaller community stadium would disqualify us from ever looking at Super League as it would not be acceptable, to drop down a league is a joke! perhaps some people would have been happy staying at Chiswick and staying as a championship team forever, well if that should happen I would day go one step further and call it a day! as it would be accepting it has never worked and what land are you living in 1500 fans to pay £200 a season for a season?????

RankPostsTeam
Club Coach12169No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Oct 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Apr 2016Mar 2016LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I disagree with this for many reasons; I think the position we are in right now is the best of a bad bunch. I don't know how much we are paying for the Stoop but it is the least of our problems - We need to put down roots somewhere and stop moving around. Everyone thinks that our problems stem from 'oh everyone thinks quins are a union team' - well no-one bloody knew who we were when we were the broncos/crusaders/whatever either. A change of name and strip AGAIN solves nothing.

I am glad that people on here are waking up and are no longer happy to accept such utter mediocrity from our club but I geniunely don't think changing the name and moving the ground is the answer. Our best chance of advancing the club is forming a stable, long-term partnership with another club so that we can build a native team and gradually fill up The Stoop. No-one is saying it is going to be easy, but we know we are crucial to Super League so its time we got the RFL to cut us some slack and give us a hand.

There are great strides being made off the pitch with youngsters - we are gambling on them (e.g. Sarginson, Caro, the lads at U15 selected for England) being good enough in the future and that is the big test.

RankPostsTeam
Club Coach2453
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2020Oct 2020LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Point 1 & 3 I agree with but points 2 & 4 are just crazy.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2378No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200718 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Something has to change. As it stand it's unsustainable.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2370No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jul 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jan 2018Nov 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I never thought chucking in our lot with Harlequins was ever going to help us in the long run, and whilst I've always loathed seeing London's RL team wearing their colours and using their name, I looked upon it as something between a flag of convenience and a neccessary evil. Several seasons on and I see no real benefits from the association with probably the most recognisable Union club other than having a good stadium to play in. While I feel renaming the club London (insert preferred choice here) is long overdue I cannot see how dropping down a division is going to help! Top flight RL is a tough enough sell in the capital, how hard is it going to be to get folks to watch when the opposition is (and no offence to any side I name here) Halifax, Fev, Dewsbury, Hunslet etc... rather than Leeds ,Saints, Wigan etc..!

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1814No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 200718 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Apr 2013Sep 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Dropping down a division is certainly not going to help us build crowds - if we can't get above 2,000 for a game against Salford, what will our attendances be like against Championship sides? Moving to a smaller stadium will effectively rule us out of a franchise application, changing the kit and name will never happen as long as we are playing at The Stoop.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1822No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jun 200717 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2016May 2016LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



What are the options when you got an inferior product in an aggressive marketplace? We already have low ticket prices and relatively low overheads, so reducing price is not an option, but incentives matched by proper marketing can still yield results for Harlequins RL in TW2. But given that we can hardly even give it away, have we lost consumer credibility, have people who are interested in sport in general associated us with a poor team, poor crowds and as such something they would not want to go and pay to watch. A change of name may disassociate us from these falling crowds and the not uncommon view that we are owned by the only other professional rugby club in London and that we are the rugby league playing arm of Harlequins Rugby Union.

I don't understand how voluntarily dropping down a league would help the club in any way except getting more London youngsters in the first team.

1. No-one has nabbed the moniker Broncos, and given that we pay rent to Harlequin F.C. we should not feel obligated to retain the name, but it should only happen if we get another Lenagan level investor, because otherwise we are just pushing weak sh$t under a different name. Change the name, change the kit, make it look like we are the fresh new thing

2. If we can find a stadium that is cheaper, complies with Super League rules, and offers a better matchday experience then I am interested, otherwise why ditch our connect. We do need to find our home, but a real home, as the rented one is decent place, just in an area where we don't seem to be making much headwind.

3. We already are down to our hardcore support of around 1500 who watch the lesser teams come and play our team. Why risk any part of that core by voluntarily weakening everything about the club. £200 a year is a good idea because some people see us as cheap rather than value for money.

4. Drop down a league, I don't understand the benefit unless we are confident that their is absolutely no-one interested in investing in rugby league in London, then we might as well say to David Hughes, listen mate save your money we are all happy playing in the championship, and maybe some London derbies in the Northern Rail.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1814No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 200718 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Apr 2013Sep 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Londo06 "1. No-one has nabbed the moniker Broncos, and given that we pay rent to Harlequin F.C. we should not feel obligated to retain the name, but it should only happen if we get another Lenagan level investor, because otherwise we are just pushing weak sh$t under a different name. Change the name, change the kit, make it look like we are the fresh new thing.'"

I'm pretty sure that in our agreement for being at The Stoop it is mentioned that we have to be called Harlequins (no London prefix either) and play in the union side's kit design.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1822No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jun 200717 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2016May 2016LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Surreyben "I'm pretty sure that in our agreement for being at The Stoop it is mentioned that we have to be called Harlequins (no London prefix either) and play in the union side's kit design.'"


I didn't know that, there was talk of a 3 year rent-free period and now that we pay £200k a year. I've also seen talk of a 5 year partnership written in July 2005, so I'm not sure if that if that's up or coming to an end, so we end up with four scenarios;

(a) same name, same ground
(b) new name, same ground
(c) new name, new ground
(d) new name, no ground

If the agreement is ongoing then our only option at the Stoop maybe to keep the name and improve the quality on the pitch, because off it we have pulled back; our cheer girls are exactly that, but they only have one pom pom each. Do you even call that a pom pom or is it just a pom, who knows but even our own fans are just embarrassed by this now.

Is there a link available for the agreement because there does seem to be alot of rumour and half-truths around these forums.

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member20315No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jan 2022Jan 2022LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Switching back to London Broncos and moving ground to a dump would be the final nail in the coffin of professional Rugby League in London.

This idea isn't even worth being entertained. Luckily I'm sure the people that actually have an influence at the club have a different, and more ambitious vision, and I will be 100% supporting that vision.

RankPostsTeam
Club Coach6035No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



For all those who don't want to see a name change and stadium move again, well tough. That is the club's plan A at the moment. All the noises coming from the RFL and the club at the moment say that. IF we can find a sensible long term stadium deal AND some new investment then great, let's stay in SL.

If not our best asset are us the fans, and if they can sell us a long term vision that starts with a drop down a division (so we can play in a cheaper stadium, have less player and admin costs) and re-build I would be more than happy to support that. All I want to see is the club doing something and selling a vision. At the moment I dont see a vision apart from waiting around to see what happens next. The Quins thing hasnt worked for me and I can't wait for us to get out (however I will be at every home game until that happens).

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member20315No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jan 2022Jan 2022LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



The clubs plan A is a name change and a stadium move? What evidence do you have to support that claim?

Why on earth do you think effectively turning into London Skolars is a good idea?

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach477No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
May 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Sep 2014Sep 2014LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



There are clearly some issues both on and off the field at Quins RL.

Some in our own game think we are owned by The Union Club, keep getting subsidies from the RFL and are exempt from the overseas player quotas. And sub 2,000 attendances only fuel the fires of the flatcapppers armed with their crayons and the League Express Letters page.

We appear to have no coherrent marketing strategy and whilst the recent promo was resonabely succesful in getting bums on seats, the follow up "activity" was poorly executed with a new "offer" arriving after the closing date to apply for it!! Now we know that is how Quins RL "marketing" works (or doesn't and are kinda accepting of this) but those who don't can only wonder what kind of third rate operation Quins RL are running. And is this the kind of sporting event that we they would attend at their own cost.

We have almost 500,000 people on our doorstop and that is where the club in particular should be selling Quins RL.

Meanwhile, we have an inexperienced coach who is clearly needing some help to get the team back on the front foot. What that is well covered in other posts.

At the end of the day this all costs money. We know that David Hughes is doing what he can but he clearly hasn't the deep pockets required to take a London SL "franchise" to the next level.

So when we wither and die then the flatcappers will be happy and the game will poorer for our demisie. And it breaks my heart to say so.................

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1450No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jul 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



If we drop down a division where will our players come from? Most of the current team would be off (we couldn't afford them and they would want to stay pro anyway.) That would leave us with a few who can't seal other deals and a lot of kids. We'll have no experience in key positions, we'll get trashed week in week out and probably destroy the genuinely promising players we have coming through our youth system. We won't be able to bring in experienced northern lads to assist either, who on earth is going to sign a one or two year part time contract down here when they can sign for a team a few miles down the road?

It's clear there are issues but I really don't see a future for a London team at Championship level.

81 posts in 6 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
81 posts in 6 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


8.625:5
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
Recent
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Armavinit
4040
Recent
Film game
karetaker
5733
Recent
Game - Song Titles
Cokey
40790
Recent
Salford
karetaker
52
Recent
Fixtures 2025
Bull Mania
4
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
Salford placed in special measures
FIL
106
1m
Fixtures 2025
Bull Mania
4
1m
Salford
karetaker
52
1m
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
chapylad
2607
1m
Rumours and signings v9
[Gareth]
28897
2m
How many games will we win
Trojan Horse
36
2m
Salary Cap Changes Blocked - 11 votes to 1
Bent&Bon
6
2m
Pre Season - 2025
Irregs#16
188
2m
Game - Song Titles
Cokey
40790
2m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
MjM
21
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Salary Cap Changes Blocked - 11 votes to 1
Bent&Bon
6
TODAY
Fixtures 2025
Bull Mania
4
TODAY
Spirit of the Rhinos
Jack Burton
4
TODAY
Mike Ogunwole
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Bailey Dawson
Wanderer
1
TODAY
2024
REDWHITEANDB
14
TODAY
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
TODAY
How many games will we win
Trojan Horse
36
TODAY
Leigh Leopards - 2025 Fixtures
Bent&Bon
6
TODAY
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
6
TODAY
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
TODAY
Fixtures
Willzay
13
TODAY
Salford
karetaker
52
TODAY
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
TODAY
Leeds away first up
FIL
50
TODAY
Jake McLoughlin
Wanderer
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
2025 Betfred Super League Fixt..
1033
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To N..
636
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
1363
England's Women Demolish The W..
1188
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
1428
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
1210
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
1472
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
2009
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
2217
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
2460
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
2025
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
2266
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
2733
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
2157
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
2234