Quote barham red="barham red"Although this thread has drifted off the carvell topic I think there are some valid points made about what is and isn't a BIG club.
Undoubtedly FC are (in relation to the rest of the league) finacially,business and support based a big club. Probably 2nd or 3rd behind Leeds and Wigan
Success wise over the last decade they have been more successful than a fair few clubs (1 trophy and 2 other finals) and this will put them behind clubs like Leeds, Saints, Bradford and more recently Warrington. So you could say putting both these criteria together Hull are the 2nd biggest club behind Leeds.
Where this criteria starts to fall down is that although Leeds and FC score higher on the on field and off field side of things Wigan are still the biggest club in SL. Wigan have a 'brand' built on years upon year of success (although until this year it was pretty barren) I find this relates quite well to the Football comparisons that have been made.
Wigan are the liverpool of SL. A team steeped in heritage and history, based on bringing through local lads and a past full of dominance that has since waned.
Wire are the Chelsea of SL, seen to be be buying there way to the top and this has now with the introduction of a talismanic manager reaped rewards.
FC are the Newcastle of SL. Big ground, big crowds of passionate fans who got to a position where everyone thought they would dominate but self destructed before reaching the goal. In some ways the downfall is the expectation and the knowledge of being a big club but not achieving. The constant clamour for success that just undermines the coach and lack of patience that finally undoes any progress that may be made.
Just a few notes for discussion, that are in no way a dig at fc, wigan or wire all sport has it soap operas (and the characters involved) and thats what keeps us going week in week out.'"
Yes I totally agree. Well, apart from we're a little more succesful than Newcastle (who have won nowt! for ages) but in the main totally agree.
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