Was the merger of the academy discussed?

It's become the elephant in the room for me.

Even on here if you mention to you are told to stop 'moaning' about it and support the club.

I think its a far bigger issue to a lot of the fans than both AP and merger sympathisers make it out to be.

People talk about fans getting behind the club in times of need, but a lot of fans I know are really hacked off about the merger. It wouldn't be half so bad if AP just came out and said actually it was all about saving money, and if fans started to come back he may reconsider it as the money would be brought in by more passes.
The constant claim about it not producing talent is nonsense.

It shouldn't be under estimated how this decision has impacted on some fans attitude towards the club.

As for not having a club support that is also nonsense, there will always be a club, it just might not be a club challenging the 'Top 4' which is where AP and some expect it should be.

I like AP and I'm thankful for what he has done for the club, I will be showing my support in terms of a pass next year (I didn't this season), but at the same time, I want honesty, I would like him to listen more to the fans (not do everything they ask) but at least listen and consider. If he did, he would realise the merger should have been a non starter. I would rather have spent less on the salary cap, blood more youngsters and perhaps lower expectations (top 4 to top 6).

As for the memorial, its a great tribute to a place that is ingrained into the souls of Hull FC and its fans, it may have been dilapidated towards the end, but for me during the 80's and 90's it was rugby mecca.

..........I'm sure AP won't lose any sleep if you two stop supporting the club.

spot on ccs, rugby in general is going through hard times, you have to cut your cloth accordingly and that whats pearson is doing, Imo we have done very well with the signings we have made and can only see us improving next year

Surely if money was an issue he wouldn't have chucked in his leeds united job. The club desperately needs some professional sales/marketing people and pearson needs to get off his high horse and start pressing some palms in the city. there are plenty of Hull supporting business owners locally who would put their hands in their pockets if the club gave them good reason to

I hope you're right, that he does, and that there are.