CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:16 pm  

Whilst never having agreed with them being in SL I do feel sorry for their fans.
Strange that they pulled out at the last minute, if they had pulled out earlier then it would have allowed some momentum to build for Fax but the shock of it has been a smokescreen for Wakey getting the nod.

Fat lover Controller and Big Ears must have been loving it.

W@nkers

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:26 pm  

Proves what a success franchising has been. Well thats what Dickie boy said anyway.

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:31 pm  

Although I have every sympathy with their fans it seems to me that they are £700,000 scapegoats to save the face of the RFL - I cannot believe they just withdrew without any pressure - them conviently withdrawing just saved the RFL making a big decision.

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:43 pm  

Licencing isn't under scrutiny here it's the integrity of the people making the decision, it's the lack of transparency around the whole thing and moreover it's about the RFL unwavering support for expansion clubs at the expense of heartland clubs.

If the right decision was made in 2008 Widnes would be in SL since that day and a considerable amount stronger than we are now. Wakey would be making way for Fax due to their broken promises and Crusaders would be continuing to build as South Wales Scorpions are doing.

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:47 pm  

What exactly is the point in the Championship really ?

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:50 pm  

Gary High wrote:

What exactly is the point in the Championship really ?

Makes last weekends efforts by both teams in Blackpool pretty worthless and sends out a sign that no more Championship clubs will be accepted into the elite by right.
Doesn't matter that Fax have ticked all relevant boxes, been awarded with an RFL certificate to confirm all standards met, complimented on our bid being very near to the Vikings bid back in March. Come the final decision, we are not wanted and it's highly unlikely that anyone else will be either.
RFL, What a Rite F*****g Laff.

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:53 pm  

The RFL have already guaranteed one club from the Championship will again be promoted in 2014 provided they meet the minimum criteria so there isn't a shut door.
It's sort of like a drawn out promotion and relegation but based on a clubs infrastructure rather than performance.

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:58 pm  

Chris B wrote:

The RFL have already guaranteed one club from the Championship will again be promoted in 2014 provided they meet the minimum criteria so there isn't a shut door.
It's sort of like a drawn out promotion and relegation but based on a clubs infrastructure rather than performance.

But the Championship will probably consist of two clubs that Wood and Lewis would like in their expansion Superleague (Toulouse and Crusaders)

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:58 pm  

Chris B wrote:

The RFL have already guaranteed one club from the Championship will again be promoted in 2014 provided they meet the minimum criteria so there isn't a shut door.
It's sort of like a drawn out promotion and relegation but based on a clubs infrastructure rather than performance.

No it isn't its bollox

Re: CRUSADERS : Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:07 pm  

spanishbob wrote:

But the Championship will probably consist of two clubs that Wood and Lewis would like in their expansion Superleague (Toulouse and Crusaders)

Toulouse are supposedly returning to the French league and I would be surprised to see Crusaders in this league or even be entertained for a SL licence in three years time after this.