Quote: Dave T "Where have they claimed that they have sold out the tickets other than for the two finalists? If that was the case, the game would be sold out now (bar the 100 or so that Barrow haven;t sold yet). '"
People I know, and fans on the TIW board have stated that, when they phoned the RFL after Widnes qualified for the final, they were told that the tickets were sold out. In fact, I have heard of no one, other than those who bought tickets for the x9’s, who had got Final tickets from the RFL.
Quote: Dave T " Why? As per my previous point about if Gateshead would have played Leigh for example, there would have been a couple of thousand empty seats. For your argument it is unfortunate that two well supported teams have made the final, as i has led to a situation where you can;t have as many tickets as you want. '"
I have explained several times why I think the whole thing is a farce, as well as badly organised, and I have no intention of repeating myself. If you don’t agree with it, you don’t agree with it. It won’t change my stance.
Quote: Dave T " Again, I have never seen them claim they had sold out, and all the other club's websites say you can upgrade your 9's ticket by ringing the RFL. No mention of sold out.'"
Well I have, and that’s why I’m not happy about the way it was organised.
Quote: Dave T " So what if Widnes and Barrow sold every ticket available? Is that fair on fans who want to see their team in the 9's? Surely those fans would be in a worse position than you are now. Whether you like it or not, this is now a triple header. Call it anothing event all you want, you don;t actually know yet, It may turn out to be a hugely enjoyable event, and a permanent fixture each year, and one that helps the Finals day sell out. '"
Nonsense, the x9’s is nothing more than warm up game for the final that has been put in place with the sole purpose of attracting a few more species to the game. It is nothing like the Grand Finals, where there is a vitally important aspect in winning the game. I very much doubt it would mean a great deal for the fans of the x9’s tournament, if they missed out. The importance of this game to Barrow and Widnes could be immeasurable for their long term futures, and being there means a lot more than watching a meaningless x9’s tournament that no one particularly wants, including most of the clubs and players. You really couldn’t be more wrong if you tried.
Quote: Dave T " Not when they have a stadium available to them which has a limited capacity. After this year this should never be an issue, but with a 9,600 capacity they need to be careful. They will have based tickets on things like average attendances and ST holders. '"
If they base cup final attendance figures merely on average attendances and ST holders, then the RFL deserve all the criticism they get. Finals will always attract more fans from the clubs contesting them. Not only does it provide a better atmosphere, but it also gives those clubs a chance to expand their fan base and develop. This must surely be a major factor in reaching a final and also an incentive? To deny the finalists this opportunity is, in its self, disgraceful imo.
Quote: Dave T " Competing clubs include the 4 9's finalists, whether you like it or not. The RFL are doing exactly what you suggest in point 1. '"
This is the Northern Rail Cup final. If the x9’s was an important stand alone final, it would have it’s own day in it’s own stadium, or a bigger stadium would be used to accommodate all of the fans, no matter which clubs qualify.
Quote: Dave T " Why? Just because it doesn't suit you this year? '"
Nope. It makes no odds to me, but clubs who have to take part in it that are fighting for top 6 places and against relegation, would disagree. It’s a stupid idea to hold, what amounts to a friendly competition, mid season. Try answering Starbugs question, instead of telling us how wonderful and important
YOU think it is.
Do you think they would do such a thing in SL?
How would they react to a competition like the 9 's if they were told to attend with 1 st team squads?
There'd be f*cking murder, and you know there would.
Quote: Dave T " This shows that you have a chip on your shoulder then about the RFL. If they sell this event out, they have made a good decision. '"
Make no bones about it; I despise them with every fibre of my being but, if I thought this was a good idea, I’d grudgingly say so. I think this could’ve been handled much better.
Quote: Dave T " Fair enough, your opinion.'"
And that’s all I’ve ever expressed it as.
Quote: Dave T " We obviously don;t agree on this, which is fine, and it is what these boards are about, anyway enjoy your final, despite being a Wire fan, I will be supporting you, as I'dlike to see you in SL next time!'"
Well at least we can agree on summat.
Cheers!
