Farce is - to me - a harsh summation when it's probably the most "sensible" way of promoting to SL in well over a decade compared to the last few systems of 8s, and franchising/no promotion at all.

This system guarantees promotion to SL - not so under the 8s, although the only year a team has failed to go up was the year we were in the MPG! - and guarantees it's earned on the pitch.

The last time there was regular promotion/relegation from the Championship it was a playoff final system, and that seemed to go ok.

As I read it, the SL teams didn't like so many teams "being in jeopardy" even if they finished out of the bottom spot. They don't seem to mind that you can finish mid-table yet still be "champions".

But, they have got their wish. Teams in the mid zone that won't make the playoffs but can't be relegated will have a second half of the season that is just a slow death. But crowd interest will be redoubled by being able to play the same teams several times a season. If a couple of those are in the same zone, then some meaningless repeat dead rubbers should really have both crowds and broadcasters buzzing.

Quote ="paulwalker71"No, history shows it has been at a neutral venue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Championship_Grand_Final It's been a grounds such as Warrington, Widnes and Headingley. Some pretty decent crowds too. If its done right, it could be a massive occasion - imagine us playing Widnes for a place in SL at Headingley with 20K there? That's not a pipe dream - see the crowds in that link above.'" You do realise there were 3 games that day? Castleford - Widnes Featherstone R - Oldham Bramely - Featherstone L

Quote ="paulwalker71"No, history shows it has been at a neutral venue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Championship_Grand_Final It's been a grounds such as Warrington, Widnes and Headingley. Some pretty decent crowds too. If its done right, it could be a massive occasion - imagine us playing Widnes for a place in SL at Headingley with 20K there? That's not a pipe dream - see the crowds in that link above.'" You do realise there were 3 games that day? Castleford - Widnes Featherstone R - Oldham Bramely - Featherstone L

I didn't, but if that's what it takes to fill Headingley, then I'm all for it. There will be a League 1 promotional playoff next season as well, I believe. So having a 'finals day' and getting a big crowd seems like a great idea to me.

It will all change after Christmas and a few beers, or when SL come up with a different plan to keep more money.

I'm not expecting silverware but, for services to tourism, I don't see a mechanism by which we're not guaranteed [url=https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/key-to-the-city/a little gold[/url.