I think Widnes is very likely to get a license next time. The RFL need to demote some SL club to keep its power in its relationship with clubs (what's their threat worth otherwise?). I don't see Toulouse going up alone, understandibly this would not look good to the CC English fans. So I see Widnes and Toulouse, and two of the clubs warned going down. In some sense, I think the RFL is preparing the ground for such a decision with this warning. Warn three clubs, remove two... and bring two new clubs. Nobody will say that the RFL did not respect its words.

Th VT is in meltdown over this.One or two expansionists are suddenly donning flat caps.

It's all very interesting..

As has been mentioned there appears to be movement on the Saints ground but they are a B grade club anyway so they should be safe..
Celtic moving to Newport will keep them safe..

The other three though are pretty much still in the mire..
Out of them three I actually think Salford could be in the better position as they have negotiating room with Peel Holdings over the Port Salford development. Peel need the land and Salford need a stadium so a deal could be done there. I know Salford Council own the land but I believe they are keen for a stadium too.

In the case of Wakey and Cas.. I thought that Wakey council were paying for these but in actual fact the clubs need to find the money themselves. Seen as terrific news by their respective fans but the council have loaned them some land as collateral to seek investment.. i.e. they currently don't have the money to pay for their grounds. I don't think this is such terrific news in the current climate.

Add to all this the snippet from John Wilkinson's resident meeting outburst the other week about needing to lay bricks by December or else and I think it's all very telling.
The RFL actually could be pretty embarrassed by all this and how it makes the selection process look. Maybe the might show some balls next time around.

Lest we forget Celtic's recent problems. Moving to Newport might be a desperate one, so they're not safe by any means. Salford I think got through because they promised the sort of stadium that the RFL couldn't possible refuse. Of course this was the same sort of lie which they trotted out with when they hinted they were signing Minnichello but the only thing they have over us is a mythological "catchment area" as if we're not both in an ultra populated area swamped by football teams. But its Wakefield who take the cake.

I agree about Celtic and I can't see them gaining any ground attendances wise by moving to Newport which is just as RU orientated as Bridgend. If anything they will lose a few fans not prepared to travel.

I do think they will be propped up by the RFL.. this would leave the most egg on the faces of Lewis and Woody if they went caput.

I have a feeling that Salford may come out of this somehow especially considering the Peel announcement.. not with the ICONIC stadium that we were all promised for the GOOD OF THE GAME.. but with a LSV / HJ type stadium. I think they have been stalling until the Port Salford announcement.

speaking of which I am bloody annoyed at this.. I have to cross the Manchester Ship Canal to get home.. it's going to be like a bloody motorway now with all those freight ships.... Bloody Salford. Anyone any idea how this is better / different to the one being built at Widnes??

Strange how rules change isn't it

When we suggesting moving to the Reebok they refused us

Whatever happens,happens.I would love to see us get a place in SL next time but I won't be holding my breath.In the meantime it's nice that a few clubs and some of their condescending and patronising fans are having squeaky bottoms.

I think it would be f*****g very difficult to turn us down next time. Everyone one knows we should be in. It would certainly be very difficult to justify leaving us out, and RFL could certainly face a bit of a backlash in the media. It was bad enough last time.

Despite this, I still can't help but think they'll just bung Toulouse in - unless they drop 2 current SL clubs. I just can't see that happening.

Do you not think though Pepe that if they bring Tolouse in without them winning the NRC or appearing in a grand final, the RFL could recieve just as much backlash in the media?

They'll probably enter the Lord Derby Cup next year and walk it. That will probably be deemed as significant for them as the NRC is for the rest of us. To be fair, Toulouse at least seem a realistic prospect and I was surprised when CC got the nod before them. But they are nowhere near us yet.