Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:27 pm  

Michael Steele made a good point on Sky Sports News yesterday that while we have a competitive league, it'll be weakened with the absence of Widnes, Crusaders bring little to the table in terms of being a good replacement. If they are allowed in, they MUST have the same restrictions on overseas players as everyone else

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:51 pm  

Fev fans are happy that there is no promotion and relegation?

What planet are you on?

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 1:39 pm  

no fev fans are happy that halifax have have not got in , in the majority by the way, i know some fev fans are decent and would have wanted a fair decision.

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:10 pm  

Before anyone starts in saying i'm a fev fan blah blah blah. However I actually like Halifax as a club, the players and supporters.

Did you deserve a license? I can see both sides of the coin and there is no wonder why your all frustrated, I would be if it was Featherstone in your position.

Unfortunately, i'm not privvy to the financial facts of your club or any club, the one area that is really holding you back is the lack of youth development.

There is no clear pathway from Under 15's > 16's > 18's > 23's > First Team, this is an absolute must in my opinion for any side wanting to be in Super League. It is extremely difficult to do this, but it is something needs to be achieved.

Fan base, this is a problem for you now as your crowds will drop due to sheer frustration! (The same for all the traditional clubs in the Championship / 1).

Facilities - Do you own a percentage of The Shay? Is it split 40 / 40 / 10 (RL / F & council?)

Marketing / Commercial and the other facts, I don't take a real interest in. However i've only heard big positives about your community setup and the hardwork and effort that Frank puts in. Which he should be applauded for.

In regards to comparing yourselves with Wakefield, yes they were favourites for the drop, but I don't think they should have been. Crusaders who rightly lost their place and Harlequins should have lost it, maybe even Salford ahead of Wakefield.

What is the future for the teams in the Championship? Very good question! It will depend what the announcement is in regards to the re-structuring of the competition, will Toulouse and Crusaders be competing?

I genuinally hope you can bounce back from this and continue being the force you. A fantastic team that plays extremely entertaining rugby, with a very vocal, committed and passionate fan base.

Honestly, stick at it, it'll be worthwhile! You will get what you deserve in the end. I hope you do.

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:25 pm  

Chris.Taylor wrote:

In regards to comparing yourselves with Wakefield, yes they were favourites for the drop, but I don't think they should have been. Crusaders who rightly lost their place and Harlequins should have lost it, maybe even Salford ahead of Wakefield.

Well said, why do they persist in giving Harlequins a bunk up all the time?

Was gobsmacked when even Jonathan Davies stated same on the BBC red button show after Saturday's semi final. Quins got off very lightly from this fiasco and they should have been encouraged to build from the bottom upwards to develop the right way round.

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:45 pm  

Mark Bryant making some interesting claims on twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/markbryant81

Mark Bryant making some interesting claims on twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/markbryant81

Re: what now for crusaders? : Wed Jul 27, 2011 9:06 pm  

Brew wrote: Mark Bryant making some interesting claims on twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/markbryant81 not good - bound to show the RFL in a good light....

Brew wrote: Mark Bryant making some interesting claims on twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/markbryant81 not good - bound to show the RFL in a good light....

Re: what now for crusaders? : Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:55 am  

Thanks for the link, I don't bother with Twitter but read Bryants take on things. Personally, I hope it deters more foreigners from coming here, either legally or otherwise, there's enough talent in this country to push through to senior grade, Crusaders are where in the league, they've won how many games, they've had RFL support that other clubs haven't had. Anyone who enters our country illegally should be considered a criminal, it isn't permitted in my workplace.
I do feel sorry for the lads however if the club have reneged on contractual payments, that just isn't right, the players are the product that draws in the paying support, they need better protection. Step forward mr £250 grand a year governor of the RFL ( ALLEGEDLY ) to assist with mortgage payments & food & heating bills.....