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.

The merger has proven to be far far more divisive than either club expected, but IMO that says a lot about how close the clubs are to the fans. I don't agree with it at all but the consensus is that it's about cash or the lack thereof.

As regards "there always being a club, just not one challenging for top 4", well we're not challenging for top 4 now. Goalposts are being shifted in the user agreement and income is down. I fully agree I'd have prioritised outgoings differently and guess AP would too in hindsight. It would be nice to hear this. But the fact remains that books have to be balanced and as supporters we have an opportunity, but not an obligation, to contribute. Those believing their decisions either way don't impact the club aren't being honest IMO.
I don't think there's any way back for the academy in the short term. But regards U23s also don't see how this will take shape.

Lol. Cliches r-us.

You certainly are.

I think that 'There will always be a Club' is now not such a safe statement as it was at all. The sceptics will of course poo poo it but we are entering stormy waters I fear.

In fairness to Adam Pearson who was pretty down beat yesterday he did chat to a few folks and was as approachable as ever and he did at least at last concede that money was one of the main issues with the merger.

I guess my main issue with the merger stuff is the fact that we could have maybe done something if that had been explained, instead of having the whole idea foisted on us as the finished article. Badly handled all together at a sensitive time by our marketing people, if they thought everyone would just shrug their shoulders and accept it.

Worrying times Wilf. worring times.

We're in trouble as we have an egotistical owner who refuses to admit that this situation is his own making. Like most people with this personality trait, they blame others.

THE ONLY WAY WE CAN DRIVE CHANGE IS BY NOT PURCHASING SEASON PASSES.
Season pass purchase = Adam your a jolly nice chap and clearly a genius, keep up the good work and serve up the same next year please.

We will always have a club even if we have to do a Wimbledon.

Great post. His recruitment from Radford down has reaped exactly what it deserved. He has failed the club and as you point out, the situation is down to his ego.

..........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

Utter rubbish.

If you want to stay away then feel free. Many more join you and you won't have a club to moan about anymore. I guess you could always go and support West Hull.

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