Me too. Let's just make sure that Neil does get one at the new ground and it's twice the size of those at Wembley!

During the Richardson era I remember been given a flyer and an announcement that people could "buy in" towards the construction of the Fox statue outside Newmarket. In return you would be invited as a VIP to the unveiling and have your name listed on the bottom of the statue or something similar. Was this just a Richardson fundraiser thing or is it still being promoted? I think they were looking for something like £500 each to contribute.

Nothing to do with Ted and its just been put on ice, IF we ever get started IT will be on the cards.


Lets hope we can honour this Man and stuff that "rigged" vote for the Wembley statue.

he should be honour by our supporters at Newmarket

It was not rigged ! Wakefield fans are just totally paranoid about everything, do we not consider that the likes of Murphy played for clubs with more supporters than Wakefield and Offiah played for one of the biggest clubs in the World and again with far more supporters than us ?

I do think Neil Fox should have been on there, as should Murphy, and you have to put one from the greatest Club team in living memory, the Wembley Wigan side, they have proved without any shadow of a doubt that they were the greatest team British RL history.

I also think Sean Long should have been on the list, his LT Trophy wins (Wembley or not) should have cemented his place too !

I wouldn't of thought it would of been rigged but lets just put up two player fox and Boston due to the greater support I would expect Boston to win

You are correct, but Fox was better ! IMHO

only the two that should rightly be there

you could debate this for years but the figures count for nothing but I'm biased

I beg to differ, its always been nailed on who would get the "vote" just like most other things within our game its made to fit.
Unless you can show me a list of vote numbers i'll remain paranoid.

I have no issue with the players touted but the exclusion of Fox leaves the tribute without one of the games all time greats.

Old pals act is still strong and well at all levels of the game, you only have to look at junior clubs in this area to see how it works and how youngsters at less fashionable clubs get overlooked for those at bigger clubs.

Bradford Bulls are another example of how it works if you fit the criteria.


Paranoid, not me.

Why no "Northern" players?

You maybe right I dont know, I just think its about numbers involved at some bigger clubs. The comment about youngsters in local junior clubs ? get overlooked for what exactly ?

Maybe its the wrong thread, used only to point out the fact that imo the game is rife at all levels, i meant that some clubs have juniors pushed forward to scholarships/academy because of the "old pals act" and "my dad".

IMO the reason why half these lads don't make the grade is because they are not the right candidates, of course its subjective and someone is having to make the call but you'll often find that behind that call is a "name".

That said a young man got a shot at Bradford a couple of years back and with respect to him it should not have happened, seems his grandad used to play/scout for them and works with stats on match days. He came from a small club that never got players called up so it works at all clubs.

He failed to make an impression and that spot was lost to player who could/would have earned that right.

Of course it easy for me to criticise these things but i have seen it first hand at many clubs in this area and while we have many good honest coaches and admin staff in the area it still happens.

I was talking to an ex leeds half back he thought I was pulling his leg when I told him the five players
couldent believe Boston and Offiah selected before Niel Fox in his oppinon the gratest player ever.

am i right in thinking that its two lancastrians, two welshmen and a southerner?.

yorkshire not represented at all in a statue supposedly representing rugby league.
apologies if i am wrong.

Absolutely!! It says everything about our game, sport in general and life, that you need to know. Tension, drama, tragedy, pathos & the traditions of our game. I think a glorious failure is the most apt thing of all for something like this and no one moment like this has ever happened at a Wembley cup final and probably never will again. But I wouldn't expect the muppets that run our game to have the sensitivity or nouse to get any of that!