. . . if we want SL.

This is now obvious more than ever after yesterdays events. Wakefield's recent past and failed promises had no effect on their bid whatsoever, however the plans given by a new wealthy backer obviously did though, rightly or wrongly. And then Crusaders - a lesson to be learnt.

This is not to denegrate the fantastic work our BOD do but - a backer. Any on the horizon? Show yourself now!

the next round of SL franchise will see SL increased to 16 teams. wakey and cas still have no ground but given another 3 years if they promise to build(with fingers crossed of course)

Or another 2,000 fans

But I'll tell you something , get the 2,000 fans first and a ' backer ' will turn up

Which is probably too many teams , SL is already at least 2 teams too big now

Because of the dearth of young talent. But surely the franchise system and the many excellent youth systems out there will mean there is an excess supply of youth players, and more full time environments will be required to ensure there players are not lost (sic)

Fourteen teams is right.

It fits the length of the season.

Who do you support?

I have It on very good authority that the reason the RFL gave to us regarding our application failure is our lack of a single big money backer. If you read Mike Rileys post he alludes to this I believe several times within his statement if you re-read it. I find this truly appalling as surely a stable RL club not reliant on a single benefactor is a more sound business option than one that is. Crusaders, londequins are testament to that. If O'Connor gets bored and pulls his cash where does that leave Widnes. It just stinks if you ask me!!

Quite an interesting quote from MS here:-



So the RFL are saying this system is ment to stop boom or bust but it looks like their requirements are actually encouraging it.

So at least we know what is needed, along with ticking a box. It doesn't have to be one single backer though. Looks like we're in the Championships for the long haul.

Steve O'Connor has organised an astute business plan to enable the Vikings to be self sustainable.

LR it does need a sugar daddy, a single multi millionaire backer who will bankroll the club. Seemingly the only major thing We don't have yet are a completely viable business.

In the future maybe but that still is theoretical as it his money that as got you where you are and not the clubs own revenue streams. If he was to go today would the club be able to say they are 100% self funding, I doubt it??

Looks like the gaping hole in our application was that we didnt make promises that we couldnt keep.

Can we get some CAD drawings done for a New Skircoat Stand?

In response to chris_ smith's comment you failed because you did not have a single financial backer, which information I understand he gleaned from a reputable source ? surely in the wide metropolise of Halifax and district there must be a back street scrap metal merchant or sheep rustler or even a wollen mill baron, who wishes to, shall we say " endow " your club with his illgotten gains, before HMRC start asking too many pertinent questions.

Is that by sponsoring the Stobart League?

I agree. That is the only way a club outside the SL will gain entry. We have a business model where we don't and wouldn't be reliant on one individual. That appears to not be what the idiots who run the game are looking for.

Probiz a good backer.Chins up.

but surely we only need to say we are getting a backer for the next 3 years.

they obviously dont care whether you follow through on this promise considering Wakefield still dont have the new stadium they promised 3 years ago.

surely we should just say we are getting a backer

I finally worked out where we went wrong
*We don't have a money man so we ain't providing enough input to SL to keep Big Ears and Fat Controller in pies
*The lack of financial input means the RFL idiots can't give themselves huge bonuses
*No financial backer means we less likely to go bust so we won't have to grovel for a handout when he pulls out
*The rfl idiots are actually related to the bankers who got the country into the situation it is now and they wish to do the same to rl
*Halifax is not run by liars.

So the RFL want a big money man (see Crusaders - Leighton Whatever) how stupid are they. These people tend to get bored and if they have any brains (which I guess they have if they've made this money) then why put up with the numpties at the RFL?

You mean by plugging a million pound hole? Don't get me wrong, anyone that's willing to part with their earned money to put in to a club should be applauded but if that money is no longer available, for whatever reason, the club's in risk of going to the wall. How many times have we seen this exact thing happen over the years? For this to be even hinted at by 'the powers that be' is ludicrous and irresponsible.

NRL in Australia is 16 teams and that seems to work. Its not always dominated by the same team, just look back over the GF winners for last 15 years. No reason why SL cannot be 16 teams. that would be 30 games a season, plus Challenge Cup and play offs.
Everyone will now say thats too much, but the NRL is a veryt very physical competition and they manage ok.

Yes, but they have larger squads and an entire NSW or Queensland cup team of overage players to pick from.