I think John Kear should also be near the top of the thank you list.
I dread to think where the club would have ended up had we been relegated at the end of the "million pound game" season and
although Ted Richardson became disliked by many, it was he that started this process, before all the delays kicked in.

Onwards and upwards for the Mighty Trin

It's taken a while but I finally got round to reading the report.
I'm quite impressed at the content and can understand why it took so long.

I attended the hearing on a couple of days and felt at the time that the Chairperson (who's name eludes me) was quite impressed with our case and not so impressed by the LCC case. I wasn't there for the local residents part.

The one thing that jumped out at me was this commentIt is unusual to attract supporters as opposed to objectors. The views of the many thousands of supporters should be given weight, because they relate to planning matters and the key needs that lie at the heart of this application:”

Along with all the hard work from the leaders of the cause in this battle which is undisputed, it cannot be underestimated the value of the letters that were written from supports (both Trinity and local residents as it says later in the document). Credit to those who started the campaign and credit to those who made the effort to send them in.

Also, the tone of voice of the document is pretty clear too. When talking about the individuals who spoke, there was clear respect shown to the evidence given from "our team" and even more clear the view for the objectors with words like "no challenge", Disappointing evidence" and "no foundation" often used.

Well done all!

Thought this was worth posting too as I've seen a couple of questions on it.
I know its early planning details but it shows intent:

Stadium
12,000 capacity with 7,000 seats and 5,000 standing
17 boxes
Restaurant for 400
800 space car park with potential for park and ride facility
28 coach parking spaces
644 cycle parking spaces
250 motor cycle parking spaces

Agree.

Sounds excellent, i do wonder if there's a need for so many motorbike and Cycle places, maybe when they're actually made it won't look that many.

It's usually to do with Green Travel Plans or something like that as they encourage cycle use. Very admirable but in my experience I have seen buildings that have provided cycle storage facilities with the bike sheds lying empty but nothing wrong with providing the spaces. I for one will not be cycling to Newmarket but I hope many do.

I will!

I'm super-impressed with the provision of cycle-spaces; hopefully, any link roads or road alterations will also include provision for cyclists.

Me too, but not in these conditions!

Not so bad when you come home for a bath - but we're going to a lot of trouble here to get us all under a roof when we watch a game - seems a bit self defeating if you're soaked to your duds before kick-off!

Time has flown this week, but now it's time to answer this thread...

I thank you all for your comments, they are flattering indeed and very much appreciated.

Why do this? Well, I love this City and I love this club and the two go hand in hand. 12 years ago someone asked me to get involved with a new supporters group and that person, and a few others, had the faith in me to hand me the top job - what else should you do but accept that and try and make the best of it?

Being involved with this club since then has been an incredible journey - for me and my family, but it has been worth every ounce of energy to me, not just because of the result yesterday (although that is brilliant and I am bursting with pride right now), but because of the wonderful people I have had the privilidge to meet and enjoy the company of - purely down to the sharing of my love of all things Wakefield and particularly Trinity.

People from WISA, WiSCA, SWAG, RfN and the Supporters Trust - even from the old Supporters Club with whom we have had some friction at times, but there are some great people in all of these groups who I would never have met except through Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. We are a community - or more of a family than that even - which means that sometimes we disagree on the best way forward, but we always agree on what we want ultimately - a club that can succeed and bring Civic Pride back to Wakefield - and perhaps the future IA's of the world may then grow up as young Wildcats and not be faced with the persecution and embarassment many of us have suffered from being associated with our club.

I have mentioned several times that this is a joint effort, I have tried to funnel the focus towards our goal but could achieve nothing without us all pulling in one direction and, in particular when completing the petition, I do not believe that any one thing has pulled us together more than we have seen for NM.

My greatest thanks have to go my colleagues at SWAG; to Ian; to Sue; to Judith and Phil and very much to Jonathan - who came along when we needed a fresh view and impetus and gave us so much more - not bad for a Whino (sorry IA), but also to the likes of many of you on here - especially the mods - you are all part of the machine behind what makes this club so great!

Anyway, enough mumbo jumbo from me - all you need to know really is that given the time over again I would change nothing and would do it all over again - it's been, and will now continue to be for decades to come, a blast!

As Phil has said this has been a Team effort and I feel proud and privileged to have contributed in my small way.

Phil and Jonathan have listed a few people involved but as I say it has been a Team effort and there are many who have contributed who because of numbers will not be named but they contributed to the cause nevertheless. Those who spent time in Wakefield City Centre getting people to sign the petition, getting family members and friend to sign, going into local shops. I could go on but I want to get out for a pint or two.

However no one can deny Phil’s enthusiasm, drive and determination to see this through, particularly after the collapse of Thornes Park. He carried on fighting when all seemed lost and managed to keep the momentum going and our enthusiasm up.

Similarly when the Planning Application was called no one can fail to have noticed the support we received from Jonathan, a Loiner of all people (they are Loiners to us older Guys – not Rhinos). He had no real need to get involved but he believed passionately in providing these facilities for the Citizens of Wakefield of which he is even if he is not a Trinity Fan – I suspect we are his 2nd favourite team and he is an honorary Wildcat in my eyes.

Yes it’s been a Team effort but Phil and Jonathan’s contribution has been fantastic and I salute you both and I will sink a pot or three in your honour and celebrate our good news. We all deserve it.

If Phil doesn't get clubman of the year this year the people who pick it need shooting.