Just out of interest, how did you formulate these gradings?

Assuming the 12K capacity is achieved then you will get the extra point but the stadium must meet the standard of a premier sporting competition, which is judged on the quality and quantity of its facilities. I don't think Hull KR could get a point for that. KR will get a C again. However I think a lot of clubs will get a C. So it will be down to RFL to judge who they prefer. If two teams have the same points but one has a newer stadium and offers expansion, I think they will choose that over other criteria such as attendance etc

The criteria are as follows:

1. A stadium capacity of at least 12,000.
2. An average crowd of 10,000 or more
3. An average crowd that fills more than 40 percent of a club's stadium capacity.
4. A turnover of at least £4 million per annum.
5. Solvency, in accordance with accounting definitions of solvency, although this criterion can be satisfied if there is a written owner's guarantee of the club's debts.
6. A reasonable playing strength, which is likely to be satisfied if the club has finished the season in the top eight in each of the last three years.
7. A reasonable playing contribution to junior development, judged by the number of scholarships and performances of the club's under-21 and under-18 Academy teams in the last 3 years.
8. The stadium meeting the standard of a premier sporting competition, which is judged on the quality and quantity of it's facilities in accordance with detailed criteria.
9. Geographical position: clubs that are more than 20 miles away from any other likely Super League club will be allocated one point for this criterion.
10. Compliance with salary cap regulations. Specifically, clubs must not have incurred any breach in the last 3 years.

Work starts soon apparently on the East Stand extension, so we will be over 12k capacity. 1 point

Plus we also get a point for contribution to the competition, thats for finishing an average of 8th I believe. 1 point

So that would be 2 points added to our already C grade license, if it goes on the same criteria(which there is no guarantee it will), we could easily get a B grade license.

Personally I dont think we have anything at all to worry about!

What if you finish 12th or below this year?

Does belle vue really hold 12k?

And does the solvency criteria discount recent winding up orders?

Surprisingly it does hold 12k although that's never really been tested barring the Cas relegation decider. Without fully knowing the in's and out's and how exactely they determine being 'Solvent' i couldn't say with certainty.

Im not too bothered about Widnes coming up. Would love to see a Cumbrian side in the super league. I dont think the rfl would have the bottle to throw out Harelequins because they have poor attendances. Crusaders with them moving up north will help them but is that too close to Widnes. I hope Toulouse dont get a franchise this time, because they seemed to hurry the Celtic Crusaders through and look what happened, maybe next time around. If Wakefield dont get one will Halifax replace them. With the teams under threat surely that must have an effect on the length of contracts they can offer players. Could be some bargins out there next year

Confirmation of criteria is expected late May, there could be changes There is rumoured to be some discussion about the under writing bit, which could change, because it is felt that the future of a clubs survival should not be just in the hands of one person as that frustrates developing the business.

Very thought-provoking post.

For me, they will bring just 1 team in with one of Quins, Salford and Wakefield to go out.

Quins and Salford seem to have their problems but have (or will have) good grounds and represent a potentially huge fanbase in 2 major cities. I'm not saying it's morally right but I think they'll hold on in there.

Wakefield have made too many promises for me. Where is the ground they promised in 1998 ?? They have a poor fanbase (both home and away), limited youth development and still no sign of a new ground (if you belive their propaganda about a ground in Stanley you are a fool !). No way can SL be sanctioned at that dump (Queersmell Stadium or whetver they call it this week) for any longer.

So it's bye bye wakey for me.

Incoming, my head says Widnes but my heart says Halifax. Both are strong traditional teams and are pulling respectable crowds in the lower division. They have both proved that they pull bigger crowds at a higher level.

Barrow are too dependent on 1 man's money and a lot of short-term signings. Not enough depth to the finance or squad although I'd like to see a Cumbrian club make it to SL one day.