This stuff is hilarious, bitter and twisted that the Bulls went in to admin, so embarrassed by the whole thing that you have decided to be the moral authority on RL finances, whatever next start going on the HKR board to tell them no matter what ground improvements they make Craven Park will never be as iconic as your king of grounds Odsal ?

I'm the same, I err found a load of copper wire round Castleford a few months ago - only got 2k for it!

INDEED!

Eric France always sponsored us on long deals first time midway through 2006 (million pound game season) and renewed 2011 both times we're not sure of SL status but they stuck by us but don't think it was a massive deal. Now we've chance to get a better deal a better networking system with businesses do who will our new sponsor be. Ever build ? Fleetmaster? One of the city's biggest employers Coca Cola? or the one that wont go away clipper Logistics ? Either way EF going bust is an inconvenience but may also be a blessing

I'm actually embarrassed for you, you've turned into a complete joke.

The drive up with scrap metal and leave with some cash aspect of the business was only a very small part of how France made his money.

Jonathan France was heavily involved in exporting scrap from countries outside if Europe, particularly South America, to other booming markets.

I believe this aspect of the business was where his last issues occurred which lead to his previous rub ins with the tax man, the sums of money being quoted that he owes I anticipate that these areas of his business will be a significant contributing factor again.

I agree. I assume they've already paid some money up front too.
It all depends who and how quickly we get them on board.

Let's see the guy from Michael Page earn his money now. Well connected guy.

If this is handled correctly, it could be a good opportunity - since the France deal was made, the currency of the brand has increased in value and the club has attracted some well connected people. A bit of fancy footwork and some creative thinking around kit branding could see a much more attractive main sponsor on board.

I'd be inviting the great and the good of Wakefield down to BV for an event - watch a training session, presentation by the commercial bods and a free lunch; get them all in the same room and offer the opportunity, create a sense of competition amongst them and introduce some scarcity value.

That's unless Fozzard is coming to us, with a big sponsorship deal burning a hole in his pocket.

The thing as well is we don't have to recoup the money all from the same company. The Eric France deal wasn't the best paid one out there and they got plenty for it, front of shirt, back of shirt, training gear & other merchandise, main stand etc. This can if need be be split up to maximise revenue to the club whilst not making the initial outlay too high for the sponsor.

Unless there is someone out there who wants to throw a fortune at us for the whole job lot!

Polar Ford.

Aren't they putting all their spare cash towards "The Polar Ford Claws"?

Have you seen the letter?

Letter? Do tell!!

Nick Fozzard has tweeted " I'd like everyone to see the letter Polar Ford sent to Jack Fulton, It paints the picture perfectly"
Taken from his Twitter so nothing slanderous here.

Can we assume that Eric France probably owe us several months installment on their sponsorship which was £100k+ (total). Could this help to explain the CCJ situation?

In this day and age sponorship from anyone will be hard to come by, and anyone who doesnt reconise that are either blind or crazy.

Plus the inconvieiance of rebranding
I understand that Eric france allways said if you could get some one he would step down so am sure if the club could have then they would have.

Credit the company with all the monies they have put into the club at lease and lets not gloat on the demise on what has been an excelent sponsor.

for the club this becomes a cash flow issue too and with all the ccjs allready !

Time to ring round some of those contacts in Brian Barwicks little black book of contacts that he mentioned on more than one occasion on this weeks boots and all me thinks!!!

No - not seen it.

James Elston did tell the Supporters Trust at the last meeting that cashflow was an issue. We are owed more money in than we owe out, but like with every other business it's balancing that that becomes difficult.
If we're not getting paid what we're owed, it's difficult for us to then find the money to pay what we owe.

Having said that I still think the CCJ's issues are on the whole people trying it on.

HANG ON....

I'm missing something...

surely HMRC must have known at the start of this year the amount of unpaid tax this company owed.... Why the HELL did they not intervene (if possible) uon the announcement of a six-figure sponsorship of WTW.

If I were the tax man, I'd be saying "whoa whoa, hold on, this six figure sum, forget WTW, we'll have that"

And do WTW or the RFL not look into the stability of sponsors before agreeing?

Cas had a similar thing with Probiz, he didn't pay us... but he's ended up at Featherstone now!

Neglegence from pretty much everyone involved here isn't it????

...depending on te information available at the time, obviously.

Does this happen in any other sport? sponsors just not paying?

The EF sponsorship deal was announced over 12 months ago so its unlikely any investigations would of taken place at that point. It ran 2012-2014.

HMRC have no powers to intervene in day to day operations, only avenue open is via Courts, which is what they have done.

Fairy snuff...

just seems a little flawed to me - EF ploughing (loose term) moey into wakefield when they owe £21,000,000 to the tax man.

I wouldn't be happy at this at all

Any business spending money that it cant afford is in the same boat then - or is it just cos it affects us?

No I'm not saying its just Eric France in the world who've done that.

But given the fragility of most rugby league clubs (especially given Wakefield's history over the last 5 years) it does seem irresponsible.

It's frustrating to see you guys clearly turning a corner, then having more obstacles put in front of you