You make some reasoned points, whatever your persuasion.
My own personal opinion is that I am not happy about this at all, for no reasoned argument other than I want my club, to be my club, our youngsters our ours etc.
I realise the financial arguments, and the other points you have made.

I'll tell you one things though. I have heard more than once people saying that no matter how bad things got on the field, they would have never not got a pass and supported the club (despite griping on here). Now, this could change.
So whatever the reasoned arguments, this move in the short term will damage the club as a whole.

You know what, you hit the nail on the head with the real challenge and competitor being football. People can lose sight in all walks of life as to whom and where the real competitive threat actually is. Good post.

I'm still sat on the fence with this and will and see how it pans out, as long as we get 2/3 players a season ready for SL it won't effect us, Rovers academy is pretty good and have turned out a few SL players and is getting better each year. I more worried about their transition into the first team.

The problem for the club right now is that performances are uninspiring therefore putting off those for whom attending is dependent on entertainment value/winning, and those who are diehard/would go regardless feel the alliance with KR is so fundamentally unacceptable they will withhold support too. The consequences of these two elements could be catastrophic. Failure to listen to and engage with supporters in a meaningful way is very dangerous. A rant in the HDM doesn't constitute this.

More importantly than that I think I have just found you on twitter!!!

I'm happy with the merger. The situation reminds me of what I do at the many dinner parties I attend. Show up with a bottle of Lambrini but spend the night drinking the Moet that someone else brought.

Gives us a follow then, I'm closing in on 500

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this. Probably the most accurate analogy I've ever heard!

This.

It wouldn't be like that though. It would be more like paying to go to a dinner party and sharing what's on offer at a pre-paid bar.

As it stands, it's probably as you describe it, except instead of drinking the Moet that someone else bought, it'd be the Moet that someone has left over because they don't want it anymore. It's still something, but not exactly much.

What is wrong is they oth clubs do not promote the game in the schools [ they do bits.
Where are the school teams at Beverley,Brough,Driffield,Goole,Hornsea etc most have Union teams.
Even across the river seems no school teams yet again they have Union teams
You might say I am to long in the tooth and out of touch but all these areas are within easy travel distance of Hull.
When I was young if our school did not play the game we went to a youth club and played for them don't think that any youth clubs have a team now.
The present trend is gyms so lets try getting teams out of these like the old work teams.
If the PRO clubs don't try then just going to dry up at school level .

I am at a loss to understand your concern regards the merger of the academies Wilf. After all Hull FC already have the experience and know how when it comes to mergers and the intricate workings thereof so the experience gained previously will obviously be put to good effect when it comes to negotiations with Mr Hudgell.

I very much doubt there is anyone in a position of influence at Hull FC now who was there in 1999.

Troll, and not a very good one at that.

Maybe we could get Barry Lilley in as a consultant.

Even worse hiding-place.

rugby league tomorrow on radio yorkshire,discussing the merger.

grudgel claiming both teams will still spend the same

Ha ha, are you suggesting that Pearson is going to merge the Academies and then pick up more than 50% of the cost?

You really do have a downer on his abilities don't you? Did he reject your advances or something?

The guy is a successful businessman and has had a reasonable career in sport, one that keeps getting him opportunities offered, are you really expecting him to let Hull KR have the club over?

He's saying what Hudgell said - I heard him say it too.

So Hudgell, who is well know for taking the mickey, said he would be taking advantage of Hull FC and people believe it?

Or was this an Official comment I have missed? If it is I apologise and would start to question if Adam Pearson is drinking too much!

That wasn't my point and I don't have a clue what each clubs spends on their academies any more than you do. My point is that the claim was that the clubs aren't doing it to save money which I don't believe.

As for rejecting pearson's advances, I've never met the guy but I presume you'd be in there like a flash if he offered it to you?

You want to get off your high horse before you look even more stupid than you already do

I have turned him down, twice!!

I have a very good idea what each Academy is spending and I would also say that anyone with a bit of common sense would also realise that when you half your staff, half your players, half your match day travel costs, half your spend on kit and equipment and half your venue hire you end up with around half of your current bill!!

Or are you thinking the new Academy might run two buses still, one for the Hull lads and one for the Rovers lot?