What you have to remember people was Redhall's original statement...

[iThe RFL has confirmed that, subject to fulfilling their minimum criteria, at least one Championship club will be awarded a Super League spot next March.The RFL has also confirmed Super League will stay at 14 clubs - leaving the current teams facing an anxious wait. [/i

The weasal words are "at least," which to my mind indicates that they are not adverse to promoting two, with Widnes clear favourites and possibly another. And whilst the smart money was on Salford/Wakie/Cas as the obvious candidates for the drop, there is another who is on the fringes.

That is of course Bradford Bulls, and their ground breaking £60 season ticket offer. Now, the more cynical amongst us may ponder that they only managed 7000 plus sales in the weeks up to the pledge counter being removed, and yet miraculously acheived 3000 in the last week prior to the announcement before the adoring masses at Odsal!

What can't be denied is that by sacrificing some short term financial revenue, the Bulls management team have played a blinder. By announcing 10000 plus sales, they have effectively removed their Club from the forthcoming shenanigans. Not even the clowns at Redhall will relegate a SL team that can show that level of sales. And if they can convert their loosing 12 match end of the season run into a winning one, they will be up there competing for honours once again.

Job done.

Unlike Salford/Wakie/Cas who have still to pour the first metre of concrete....

What are you talking about

I don't even know why you bothered bringing the subject of Bradford Bulls up. They were never in jeopardy of not getting a franchise. They were the glory boys a few seasons ago, and have the potential to get decent crowds. So I don't really see why you bothered raising their name as an issue / non issue. Anyway...

This Crusaders business doesn't really concern our bid anyway, we don't need to rely on other clubs shortcomings. Full steam ahead with Newmarket!

Exactly, Newmarket is our future. When that gets the go ahead we have no need to worry and I know the club are doing everthing to make sure this happens.
We have to worry and look after ourselves and not anybody else, with the new stadium we will be a strong club we have been in the past and this Citys only pro sports team will be in the future.

So what is wrong with a North Welsh Crusaders club in the Championship?Is that not expansion just the same?Oh no,silly me.It's got to be SL or nothing.

funny you should say that? Concrete pillers are being made as we speak on our site should'nt be to long before the steel is erected.

Interestingly... originally their were 5 minimum criteria for a championship club...
1) 2,500 crowds
2) Win NRC / Reach GF
3) 10,000 Capacity stadium (operational)
4) £1million turnover
5) Solvent since 2008....

However in the press release on the teams who can apply number 5 Solvency wasn't on there

the RFL certainly seem to have a habit of late of missing info off releases and things going missing from their site when scenario's change elsewhere somewhat!

Not on thread topic I know, but does No. 2 imply that Batley, Fev and Fax are ahead of Widnes there, so Widnes therefore do not fulfil all the criteria ?
I merely ask the question, and am not wishing ill on any team.

Won NRC in 2009



All criteria was based around 2008, 09 and this season but Salford took the lot in 08 playing Celtic in the final so basically just 2009 & 2010.

'Crusaders directors hope to enter administration by the end of the week.'

Is this some sort of joke to them now? Shows a real big problem if this is being seen as a good thing I mean WTF? God help the RFL in court for the image rights as I can't see the HMRC being too chuffed if they let Cru wipe off debt and take no action!

I could understand their hard stance with Blackpool based on getting HMRC on side showing that they are committed to all RL clubs paying bills etc.

The whole crusaders in super league episode has been a joke mate. Three seasons under what looks like it's going to be three different names and they've played at three different grounds. Clearly weren't ready for super league and have made the game a laughing stock once again. Actually it's not the clubs fault and I do feel for their fans. The blame lies firmly at the feet of the powers that be for basically frog marching them in to the top division and then assisting with payments to players (I know a relative of a cru player so know this to be true). Now it looks like they will be vending more rules to keep them here, the whole situation is way beyond a joke. The member clubs should boycott the league and demand a level playing field but none (including ourselves) will have the bottle to do so. Potentially letting a heartlands club go down the swanny for this joke of an expansion club Borders on criminal.

What makes me laugh is that the fans of clubs whose position aren't under threat when the next round of franchises come around try to justify why the expansion area teams should be kept in and why clubs like us should be booted out. My favourite is "you have been in existence for over 100 years so had 100 years to get it right and haven't" - The fact we have been around for so long even though we have had some very dark days, shows that there has been and is still a passion for the club in the district. You can't just manufacture generations of support.

Hopefully NM comes off and that is the catalyst for us to start growing as a club and cement our place in the top league, which we earnt on the field and have kept ever since by results on the field.

I'd kick Castleford out and replace them a club from Paris.