Even those fans who totally trust IL will want to see a couple of signings, and rightly so.

No-one could realistically expect the likes of Inglis or Slater, but there are holes in the squad that now need filling, and the fans will be justifiably miffed if more Bowen-type signatures (i.e. accomplished, high-level players, not journeymen) aren't acquired.

Of course, those guys aren't available at the drop of a hat, so people may need to be patient. No doubt any failure to wave a magic wand and make it happen straight away will only fuel the conspiracy theorists suspicions that IL is actually using the cash to build himself a new swimming pool, but in the real world I think we can afford to cast our eye over the markets with enthusiasm.

I agree with Pemps that we seem increasingly weak at centre. Now that we have buckets of money to strengthen, and masses of salary cap space to play with, it could be felt that the likes of Thornley and/or Gelling aren't the long-term answer.

We are at least 1 or 2 star quality players short. It's a no brainer.

The problem is with transfer fees who would you sign?

Realistically?

Only name that stands out to me would be Ben Crookes and or Lineham, to fill the centre/wing void, and I think to call that realistic is a stretch.

We then look to the NRL to improve is where the clubs are swimming with cash and even if they accepted a transfer fee the players wages are vastly inflated so you get less bang for your buck.

Blake Ferguson would be a great signing but would he get a visa? No transfer fee needed, but he would be a stop gap whilst the heat died down in Australia.

Its a tough one, but some investment MUST go into the infrastructure, be it coaching or otherwise.

A leagues club akin to what they have in Aus would be nice but I'll dream on for that one.

As much as I'd like to see us sign some world class players the reality is English Super League is that poor that I don't think they can be attracted.

You'd have to wonder in the salary cap world whether we could attract even someone from another club such as Watkins/Yeaman. Would be good if we could though.

That said I don't watch the NRL - is there anyone over there we think we could attract realisitically?

The latest accounts contained a warning that this year wasn't looking great financially for Wigan so may well go against some of these costs referred to eg Wigan TV.

At last years shareholders meeting IL stated that Wigan were PLANNING a loss for the year due to set up costs of Wigan t.v, Central Park etc so as you say some of the money may be used to offset that.

Im gob smacked by that, I think It was stated last year Central Park costs hit the accounts and that the loss in the CC last season hit the accounts hard, but this year seems to have been a better year On and Of the pitch.

Is the revenue down considerably in 2013 ?

have a feeling that a good proportion of it will be investing in the future of the club, youth developement.

The figures Paul quotes are for 2012, the 2013 figures will not be available until August/September 2014.

I didn't quote any figures. The "warning" related to performance going forward eg Dec 2012 to Nov 2013.

I'd imagine since the accounts were produced then a Wembley appearance would have improved the outlook.


Is Wigan TV considered a worthwhile expenditure. I cannot ever seeing it being self-funding let alone generating profit.

I was thinking about this the other day weirdly enough, would love for it to happen. Failing that I'd like to see the money go on further improving our scouting and player development. I really do think growing our own is the way to go in the current climate.

Have been thinking the very same over the last year or so.