Chairmans Column

Quote: pmh "
Quote: pmh "Why should i get banned i've not posted anything libelous about your finaces , your chairman said "Our latest set of accounts will be published shortly. The loss figure will be lower than anticipated".So therefore tells you the good news first (the stand extentions) and then tells you the bad news (we've made a loss , not as big as we thought but still a loss).I've read the majority of the AUP and i don't think it says not to use objectable discussion...................does it ?'"

Go on then, I'll have a little nibble. I don't think you're hugely trolling, neither (at the moment, I remember you strolling around these parts previously) do I think you are Mrs. Barista/cabwoman.

This is obviously all conjecture and opinion but this is my take on it.

1) I can't see how our license is at threat at the moment, we weren't one of the clubs to receive warning letters from The RFL. However, moving forward the club concedes that we need to improve the stadium. The Chair person who's brought us back from the dead and turned us into a reasonable SL side over a short period of time is saying we're almost in a position to take things forward. We've heard this before but then apparently circumstances changed. Let's hope they don't this time, we'll see.

2) As you are more than aware other than Leeds and Hull (and perhaps one other that's slipped my mind?) all clubs are making a loss of some sort or other. I think even Leeds may have made a loss this/last year due to the ongoing South Stand improvements. Hudgell tells us that the debt is manageable whilst this BOD remains in place. He has also said that the club needs to become self sustainable, this mainly depends on the ground improvements and a subsequent increase in crowds. On crowds people usually fall into two camps. Camp a) Hull Kingston Rovers crowds have fallen for the last two years, why should they increase with a bigger ground and; Camp b) Latent fans are put off from attending because they can only get tickets for the areas with poor views and facilities. Surprisingly, as a relatively optimistic Hull Kingston Rovers fan, I fall into Camp b).

3) Hudgell says the loss will be less than anticipated, I have reason to disbelieve this although I'm aware of speculation from people who claim to be "in the know" that Rovers have serious financial problems. The signing of a former Australian Test and SoO forward and extension of contracts for some of the cubs highest earners would appear to mitigate against this. Again, time will tell.'"

Pretty much spot on, the only debate is within point 2, and if things go to plan the proof will shortly be in the pudding....

As i have posted before i think the ground and its location is a handicap that Rovers will struggle to ever overcome...however the chairman et al should be applauded for their monumental efforts to do so..