That was hillaious that

I was so fuming at the Ref and though delighted with a stunning victory remember discussing how much he'd done to give them the game only to come on here and see Halifax balming the whole match on him and just because he was giving there two lard props offside when we where on a roll anyway !

Yes. However it's quite clearly your turn so I wouldn't worry if were a Widnes supporter.

It should be. However, the attendance figures and league table in super league show it should have been our turn last time too, and look how that turned out.

There is an average of a 10% drop in attendances this year, and if you take out the hallowed two who were promoted it goes down to about 2.5%. Hopefully, the super league clubs who are missing out on away fans will put pressure on the RFL to make the right choices next time.

They may have already done so, on the QT. Barring any major disaster, Widnes will be granted a license in 2012. If not, then the whole business of Franchising and the RFL will lose any shred of credibility it has left. I mean, what would be the point of any investor with SL ambitions coming into a club having witnessed another injustice in selection if Widnes aren't chosen?

By the way, if any knobsack comes on here accusing me of sucking up to Widnes, they can take a running jump. I've got my neutral common sense Rugby League hat on in this post. Should the unthinkable happen, it will have serious ramifications for all clubs outside SL - not just my own.

It/they has/have no credibility left at all, Rich. None!

So they probably won't give a sh/t. Unless, of course, they actually want redeem a modicum of respect. In which case, they should put us in, and possibly Halifax or Barrow and get rid of some of the deadwood who should never have been given a licence in the last round - and I'm not just talking about expansion clubs either.

Exactly how I felt last time, and exactly the reason I am sceptical as to whether they will do the right thing this time. They bottled it last time, they could very much do it again because they have an agenda.



I'm saying nothing.

But your replica kit is in the post. On the back is "Little Rich Widnes Fan Number 1" and btw next time we're playing in Blackpool check into Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Widnes fans get in cheap because we're never away from there. Tell your Fax mates we're not picky, they can all join the Widnes Juggernaut.

Can I have one with " Mutants no 2 fan " please

I'm fairly confident of a franchise spot in two years time because I think the case for our inclusion is superb already and just getting stronger... not only in terms of our own argument but I think the goings on at other clubs can't help but assist our cause.

Plus remember that SKy gave us a B grade in their assessment. A bit of fun I know but it gives you some idea of how we are viewed. No financial issues to be used against us and improved relations between the club and the men in suits.

As for whether the RFL would screw us over again... of course they would if they wanted to. They can do whatever they want as long as it does not interfere with the big clubs in SL or their paymasters. Just look at their handling of things recently with a certain club.

They have no scrupples whatsoever...

The thing that people dont realise is that Steve O'connor has weekly meetings yes WEEKLY meetings with the RFL. He's so on the ball and hates failure, if we continue the way we are i would be absolutely shocked and devasted to the point where i think i would give up on the game all together if we didnt get one next time. I doubt anyone could beat our youth structure outside the top flight, add to that finances/sponsorship/stadium/best crowds outside the top flight and a winning team and we should be in.

How do you know?

Terry O'connor told me at the start of Feb that Steve O'connor is on to the RFL on a weekly basis since the last franchise decision. This was also confirmed by Steve O'connor himself a couple of months back at the player presentation evening.

Widnes were also the first club to meet with the RFL after the last franchise decision, it was an all day meeting and since then both parties have been in regular contact.

is that another box ticked.

Tez also said Fax should be given a franchise as well.

Mate if it was up to me i would have Widnes and Halifax in but i have a feeling only 1 will go up from this league. Your main problem is your home grown and youth structure and your ability to attract a major invester/sponsor.

I guess the shirts a no , no then