The way I see it he wants a bit more support from the RFL. I do agree with his letter and think the governing body should focus more on the elite clubs in SL rather than pumping money into London and elsewhere. Realistically it's not going to improve the sport and compete with Yawnion or other bigger sports. I do also think it's a desperate cry for personal help as well. Hudgell is probably sick of putting his money into the club and getting no great return. The reason why he does it now is because of his support and passion for the club. You would be in more trouble if it wasn't for a fan with a bit of money.

Us and a number of others - that's his point, really.

On the other hand, it has always been thus to an extent. I might go through my Hull KR centenary history later - decades passed iirc, with each year a note that 'The parent company reported a loss of 21 pounds and 3 shillings', or similar.

I have never had the time of day for Hudgell, for whatever reason but I side with him 100% here. The RFL have wasted millions over the years trying this expansionist game to no avail. They eventually saw daylight and moved the Magic weekend to Manchester after gross failures at Cardiff and Edinburgh. Hudgell deserves a pat on the back this time.

Without wishing to derail the thread. I have asked this once already today and have as yet received no reply:

What is this money that the RFL keep pumping into London?

Don't know about rfl money but someone is paying the £1m+ losses each year for london.
Branson was involved some years ago and to be fair if he cannot make it work who can

Oh aye, who can forget the roaring successes of: Virgin Cola, Virgin Vie, Virgin Vision, Virgin Vodka, Virgin Wine, Virgin Jeans, Virgin Brides, Virgin Cosmetics and Virgin Cars.

Absolutely everything that bloke touches turns to gold

Really. Where have these 'millions' been wasted, exactly?


Cardiff wasn't a failure in economic terms. The RFL were actually paid to stage the first two events there.

Yes - their owner. He's committed to doing so for two more seasons then they have to stand on their own two feet or die.

Edited for reality.

That'll be right, Chang.

You and your cronies over in the secret club are so embarrassed by the letter - it's poorly presented argument, "naive style"

, and it's apparent grammatical error in addressing the receivers as "Gentleman" in the singular - they are condemning it as a fake. Suggested author?... A Hull FC fan.

This maybe explains why they belong to this secret forum

Whilst it is irrelevant wheather you argee with the content of the letter or not, the RFL will be fuming. He has not done the club any favours and dare I say that the refs just might not do us any favours with decisions if the RFL have there way!!

They've obviously ignored the bloke's day job. If he had even a hint that this was a put up job, there'd be writs flying wholesale

Certainly seems that way at the moment.

They might well be, we will have to wait and see over the next few days what arrises.

As I said, the RFL were [ipaid[/i to stage the event at Cardiff. They got the stadium for free and folding cash on top.

I have no idea if Edinburgh offered anything similar but they must have had a good reason to move the event there.

I see Eamon McManus, the Saints chairman has raised essentially the same points as NH: www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ml&BID=480

I see Eamon McManus, the Saints chairman has raised essentially the same points as NH: www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ml&BID=480

Typical McManus with his "begging bowl".

Quote ="Mild Rover"I see Eamon McManus, the Saints chairman has raised essentially the same points as NH: www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ml&BID=480'" I can't help but feel that if the RL was to reduce the number of clubs then Hull as a city would be forced to lose a club in the top flight. I think that Redhall should work more closely with the grass roots clubs rather then try and promote the game in places where it will never take off.

Quote ="Mild Rover"I see Eamon McManus, the Saints chairman has raised essentially the same points as NH: www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ml&BID=480'" I can't help but feel that if the RL was to reduce the number of clubs then Hull as a city would be forced to lose a club in the top flight. I think that Redhall should work more closely with the grass roots clubs rather then try and promote the game in places where it will never take off.

All 3 times? Is there any official statement confirming this?

Surely hudge has already started to cut his cloth in line with income at rovers? Last year you lost a highly paid coach and replaced him with an unheard of assistant, you also lost newton and vella (and maybe more but can't remember who left), both of whom will have been on a stack, and replaced them with reserve grade overseas players. Plus you lose the international wages of briscoe and fox and replace them with hodgson. I wouldn't be surprised if rovers overall spend on coaches and palying staff is down £250k+ this year. It's no great surprise you are performing as you are

Cheers for that! ...are you the old bid that types the payslips?