WARNING LONG WINDED REPLY - SORRY.

I've read and digested what was said and I have genuinely put some serious thought into this reply.

First of all I hope that Mr Carter AKA Daddycool takes what I have to say as constructive criticism and open honest advise.

Nor do I wish to presume I know more than he does about Wakefields current situation, clearly I don't and probably never will that would be ridiculous. What I do have a good idea about however is how the game of RL in general works and how the Wakefield public thinks in particular.

First of all everything he said was spot on and why wouldn't it be he's a smart guy. That said it's nothing that wasn't stated almost word for word by Glover before him, Pearman before him, Richardson before him and Walker before him and on and on. They all meant it and were with the exception of Pearman reasonably sincere.

They all failed to greater or lesser degrees, as to why I wouldn't be so arrogant as to suggest I knew - I don't - no one does.

All I can do is offer my advise for what it's worth as to where I think the current regime is going right or wrong - this is the constructive criticism but mostly advice to which I eluded.

Rights:

1: Balancing the books. I've heard all the garbage through the years about speculating to accumulate etc but if the last 6 years of recession has taught us anything (and it should have) is that there is no substitute for being financially sound. How you interperate that is up for debate but for me it's basically the ability to cover your long and short term liabilities and although no accounts are available I suspect that is now the case.

2: I thought our recruitment this year was spot on - hard even taking Agar into account to explain quite why it hasn't made a better return but with similar shrewd recruitment next year I'd be very surprised not to see a marked upturn on the pitch.

The above is a very short list however the two ticks are against what in my opinion are far and away the the most important parts of running a club - and by some way.

Wrongs:

1: Relations with the fans. From my prospective and others may see it differently it's at an all time low. When the likes of Big Al refuse to watch the club then something has clearly gone wrong. We are not talking some petulant fool here but one of the most reasonable men I have ever come across on these forums. It's not just the loss of such a valuable and decent fan that's at stake here. It's also the loss of a fan and his family and some friends who IMHO are possibly worth one to two thousand pounds a years to the club. All the players and all the new stands in the world won't make up for that loss. Because if anyone thinks there are large numbers of Big Al families out there just waiting to be found then they are sadly mistaken. It will be some years and some silverware later before we can afford the loss of a single hardcore fan like Al. Mend some bridges now and drop some of the petty stuff because trust me we can't run this club in the same way you'd run your local multiplex, it's far more emotive and complex than that. If the Big Al situations and a few others are now sorted then fine job done and I apologise for bringing it up.

The above is my only real criticism and will probably stop me getting an invite to the Boardroom anytime soon, but then I don't think I'd want one because I'm not sure anyone would be listening - a feeling many others have passed onto me - this needs to stop for me. There is such a wealth of proven talent amongst our fan base created through years of struggle, it's almost criminal to ignore it. I'm not being naive either, I realise the final decision is Mr Carters and that WTRLFC is not a democracy but all the same nobody knows it all.

Into the advise stuff now and I accept some of what I say may not be possible but as they say if you don't ask… I'm basically going to tackle one subject Mr Carter raised and that's exciting the fans or by definition creating a feel good factor. It's always the hardest thing to fathom with Trinity fans and the last one to crack it on the pitch was Kear who may not have been the worlds greatest coach but certainly had charisma that fans seemed to buy into. It was certainly the only time in my 25 years that the attendance went up significantly and without giving tickets away - which is why I didn't include Glover who also created a buzz but one sadly built on sand - also I reckon that 2006 victory against Cas played it's part but it would be so so much better if it were a CCup win but that is something I realise can't be created to order.

2: Be as honest and upfront as we can about the Stadium good or bad, remaining positive without making promises we may not be able to keep. To be fair I think that's whats happening so just a reminder.

3: Make as many signings for next season before November as we possibly can (especially the big ones if there are any) and delay some signing info if we can so that the signings are announced in big groups rather than piecemeal for maximum effect, RL fans love this.

4: Make a massive fuss about any Academy players we sign full-time regardless of how much on the fringe they may actually be. It's a win win, if they make it we can all high five ourselves and if they fail well heck you gave them a chance. I'm not suggesting any exploitation here just positivity.

5: Make sure the merchandise is available by very early December, not doing will cost.

6: Reinstate the shirt presentation night at Mustang Sally's or maybe the revamped Unity Hall if ready. This was a great focal point for the coming season and held at a grimmer part of the year which made it a welcome relief. Do not hold it at the ground because that basically take away any glamour and cache there may be away from the event. Sure it will cost us in that we might have to accept a break even or even a small lost. However the excitement it created was worth it especially if the full squad was on show which of course they would be if most signings were made in November. It's also a lot easier to empty peoples credit cards on the night with a few beers in their bellies and rousing words in their ears. I know it goes against every bone in Mr Carters body and contradicts my own point but I think it does pay it's way it's just hidden on the balance chest as there is no column for good will or excitement generated.

7: Finally and if it could be budgeted for - an opening act on the first home game and some real cheerleaders. Chico was the first one I remember and rubbish though he is he had an effect as did Diversity and the lad who won I'm a Celebrity. Personally I don't watch them but others clearly did and it was another bit of theatre and feel good. Ditto the cheerleaders. Don't confuse this with the Dance Academy girls, I'm quite happy for them to frolic about all day long but not masquerading as part time cheerleaders please. Either have them or don't but they need to be the real deal in the modern era. This point is not vital but needed saying all the same.

So thats it from me, others may have more to add and I think they will all be worth a read.

That would be like opening a roundabout next to the Alton Towers entrance, you'll get some fares because some peeps love roundabouts but most will go for the big rides inside the theme park.

I've been following this story from time to time but still don't have the full picture. Whilst I appreciate it was now a while ago what exactly was the incident with Big Al? Was he denied entry with a drink? Did a steward rough hand him? What happened please since it all appears to be riddles at the moment.

If Trinity were a business in the real sense it would have died some time in the early 70's as would the game as a whole.

Ditto now, Carter isn't keeping the club going as a pure business interest as he knows he won't get much of his money back - who invests in a business where a loss is a certainty, come on, he'd be better off buying lottery tickets. His reasons may be many and complex and although he's intent on running it in a business like way which I admire he knows it's not ever going to perform like a real business and that is a fact.

So no a RL club is not and never will be a real business and will always depend on the goodwill of it's customers to survive in a way Tesco or any real business never could or would never expect to.

Try reading the 2nd post on Page 15 of this thread (by RealSteel)

Many thanks Fordy. It is clearer for me now.