I would have thought that if someone came along to the Bank of Ireland with cash we would be out of belle vue like a shot. I also have heard that we are having to pay an extremely high amount of rent to stay there.

However I think its safe to assume if belle vue is our plan A on our franchise application the championship is the probable outcome. If Oakwell is on our application as plan A I would argue we would be in a stronger position to retain a franchise.

rlhttp://www.superleaguefans.com/castleford-tigers/2011/03/28/tigers-super-league-licence-worry.htmlrl

An interesting view.

My thoughts too which is why i'm surprised with the sudden abandonment of the Oakwell option. It would be interesting to know the reason why it has been shelved.

It will take an almighty effort, not to mention a few quid, to get BV up to scratch.

Talking of franchise applications etc www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/03/29/su ... o-decides/ Could someone interpret/explain the following extract: 'Although the board are set to confirm that one Championship club will definitely be awarded a Super League licence, the opportunity for the other two applicant clubs has not vanished. Rather, they will be assessed with the Super League clubs who submit applications in April 2011.' If it means what I think it means, (the 2 'losers' get another go when current SL clubs are assessed) then that's news to me.

Talking of franchise applications etc www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/03/29/su ... o-decides/ Could someone interpret/explain the following extract: 'Although the board are set to confirm that one Championship club will definitely be awarded a Super League licence, the opportunity for the other two applicant clubs has not vanished. Rather, they will be assessed with the Super League clubs who submit applications in April 2011.' If it means what I think it means, (the 2 'losers' get another go when current SL clubs are assessed) then that's news to me.

If I had a few million to spare, I would be offering the Bank of Ireland a reduced amount, acquiring the ground back, and then re-selling it at a profit when a new ground gets the go-ahead. If I owned Belle Vue in such circumstances, I could then raise capital against it to go towards a new ground.

Now this is just monopoly money talk, and if I knew anything about business I would own one, but I suspect that there are that many different options, with one key player throwing uncertainty around (RFL), that making a decision must send you dizzy.

I suppose it was never ruled out, except that I presume they will be judged on the same criteria as the Super League clubs.

... and thats not withstanding the RFL can invite applications from overseas teams.

If rumours are to be believed then thursdays announcement could be more of a talking point than first thought.

Thursday's announcement?

When the Championship team is announced.

Wat's the word on the street?

This is what Ted tried but a) He didn't have any money b) He didn't tell anyone

It's my understanding that there are two restrictive covenants on the sale and future use of the ground.

The first has been there since the land was bought/donated 100 odd years ago and states something along the lines of the sports club cannot be evicted and the land used for other means without there being an alternative home found for the club.

The second has something to do with sport England and the provision of sports & Athletic space, and again statescthat the land cannot be used for anything other than sports recreation unless it's replaced by land and facilities that match or improve on the existing provision.

Now I'm not cast iron certain that these covenants are still in force but I've heard that they are.

It wouldn't suprise me if there was an announcement to say more than 1 club will go down. like the majority of people on here I haven't a clue what our franchise application says about plan A,B or however many more there may be but I'm sure AG will have put forward a good argument for us to stay in SL. That said I resigned myself to enjoying 1 last season in SL then following the Wildcats in NL1 quite some time ago.