So what we are saying is the Wakefield area has plenty of perfectably acceptable sporting facilities bar a sy new stadium (i notice a decision on Cas' will be made before the end of the year) and maybe a couple of 3G pitches which much of the target market for using these probably couldn't afford to anyway. Not that bad then really, glad you cleared that up.

If that's what you think is being said then crack on and be happy about the Cities sporting provision.

What's actualy being said is that Wakefield is decades behind in terms of sporting provision whether it's Municipal, Educational or Professional.

I'm born and bred Wakefield and would love to be proud of the City in terms of its sporting prowess but the truth is our successes are historical. That isn't likely to change unless we start providing fit for purpose facilities for the youth of our City and we do something to protect the Sports Clubs, Rugby & Football, that offer inspiration to young kids

Obviously it isn't perfect and could always be improved but neither is it as bleak as you make out, otherwise nobody would be taking part which patently is not the case. And who exactly is going to pay for all this fantastic sporting provision you so desperately desire? Please don't say the council, they are having to make cuts left right and centre as it is. Yes Yorkcourt should deliver on their promise and yes the council should be pushing them to do so but other than that given the constraints they have then other areas probably take priority right now. Anyway enough from me on this, it is boring me to tears. Ultimately it comes down to will YCP stick their hand in their pocket and pay their way. I hope so but i have a feeling they will continue to string this along, play us for fools and nothing will ever happen. Time will tell.

The point I'm making is that sports provision is poor, not none existant, it's very poor in comparison with other Cities, Towns and even smaller communities than that.

Why am I making this point,
Because Peter Box, despite Wakefield's poor sports provision, thinks it's not important enough to take his time up. He seems to think that Wakefield as a community can afford to have him, the Council Leader, shrug his shoulders and say "not my problem" in relation to YCPs wriggling out of their obligations.

That's my main point!

Think we can agree on the point about the 'esteemed' Mr Box. I don't expect the council to be throwing money around on sporting development at this current time but i don't understand his reticence to support the scheme and help get the development built when it is going to cost the authority zilch? Unless of course, knowing it will also likely end up at Eric Pickles door, its success would impact on the hope of another club getting their own scheme built just down the road......

I was never in favour of Newmarket. Too far from where most supporters live. It may have resulted in a slight increase in away support due to easy access but we were falling in to the same trap as Salford who have alienated a lot of home support so crowds have been underwhelming despite megabucks spent on the team It's Belle Vue or the end of Trinity as far as I am concerned. Hence I was one of the first to sign the e petition.

Just a small point of order here.

Although the access at Salford is horrendous, they have just about doubled their attendances at their new ground.
Ok' there are other factors as to why their crowds have grown but, although a new ground would take some getting used to,
it would be a massive improvement on what we currently have at BV.

Well I dont agree with you, gates have not got much better at all.At the willows they were getting three and half don't see much more

Wouldn't mind betting that any extra fans at the AJ Bell stadium are away supporters what find it far more access'able, especially Wire fans'.

Spot on old lad

That and the major investment of cash they got at the same time leading to some big name signings joining. That spiked interest and boosted their ticket sales. Without that influx i reckon the crowds would have been down.

It's a shame Trinity didn't/couldn't get in on the massive regeneration of eastern Wakefield that is City Fields. I reckon the development is crying out for a show piece item such as a new stadium.

Just had a quick look to see if they have gone up or not. This year at the new stadium they averaged 4587, the year before 3178 and the first year 5,666. In 2009 at the Willows they averaged 4,467, 2010 4,166 and the final year of there 4563. They had a boost in that first year at the new stadium but then had those financial difficulties and this year it's around what it was at the Willows. Small sample size mind.

Salford attendances have not really shot up over the last two seasons since leaving The Willows and early indications suggest they will fall in 2015. A train of thought over the hill is that their electrician owner is prepared to take the club on the road for a full season and sever links with the AJ Bell Stadium altogether. Imagine trying to find the best place to play where there is the best chance of finding a new supporter base and more importantly for him a base where supporters appreciate his spending.