Re: Tonights Boots N All... Chairman Michael Steele : Thu Jul 28, 2011 11:39 am
Why did any of us get conned into even slightly believe we might have got the nod. The licensing process is just a charade to make it look like everyone has got a fair chance. In reality it is just a red-tape process when the outcome is already known. They even change the rules along the way to ensure their preferred outcome is achieved. And history of the process proves thisThe first licensing – if you had been in administration then you were not wanted (supposedly) – this really meant a safe passage for the preferred Welsh and Salford, sorry Manchester clubs over Widnes. But Mr O’Connor then offered them guarantees should Widnes get the nod which they couldn’t overlook. So lo and behold once the on-field box had been ticked the RFL announce that a championship club will definitely be promoted next time. But how can that make sense - what if the existing SL clubs all had better bids. And had Widnes not ticked that box, what’s the betting that they wouldn’t have made this decision? And that they don't stick to it next time around!
Then another rule change mid franchise – if you go into administration, not only do you no longer get kicked out immediately you can still apply for a new franchise. All to protect their expansion clubs, when both were rumoured to be on the brink at the time. But they shot themselves in the foot as by making this change it meant they had to apply same rules to Wakey.
And then to Fax and why the encouragement by the RFL for us to apply. All part of the charade to make it look like there was a contest. Why can’t they just be honest with us - whilst Bradford and Davyfield are there, we won’t be considered.
And then we get the guff about improving the game –
They say we are producing more home grown talent – what? Where did the players come from before, did they just drop from the sky. So SL clubs don’t still sign players either not good enough for the NRL or at the end of their NRL careers? And usually fill key positions with them. And internationally we haven’t closed the gap and are no nearer beating the Aussies then we were in the late 80’s.
The games profile is worse now than ever. We don’t have any household names like Hanley, Offiah, Edwards, Farrell that non RL fans will have heard of. We can’t even fill a 20,000 stadium for a game against the Aussies, I remember us getting 60,000 plus at Wembley and two 40,000 plus gates at OT and Elland Road in the same series pre SL!!
We get told that the SL chairman have the best interests of the game at heart. Rubbish - they are only concerned about preserving their clubs place in SL and why shouldn’t they? And they have created a feeling of “I’m alright Jack” amongst SL clubs and fans. Amazing how some of these believed in promotion when they needed it to get in SL (and without the salary cap restraints the Championship clubs have now), but now favour franchising and dictate on how many clubs can join their party. But when the likes of Davy no longer want or are able (or are no longer around) to put money in, I guess their views will change.
