Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:19 am  

Although I want Widnes to get the nod because they got shafted over last time round in favour of Crusaders part of me wants Halifax to get it just because of the hysterical 'conspiracy' and 'Lifes so unfair' outpourings we will get over on the Widnes board if they dont get in.

Great reading though.




10 mins to go.

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:20 am  

Saddened! wrote:

In what way bar their rented council stadium are Widnes any better than Wakefield?

That’ll be the modern stadium which Saints are currently renting too? Going by that, then Wigan and Hull FC should be kicked out of Super League.

Saddened! wrote:

Youth development - Wakefield win for me. Academy champions are they not?

No, that was a couple of years ago. Last season it was the Widnes Vikings 16’s and 18’s which dominated. The 16’s went unbeaten.

Saddened! wrote:

Support base - Probably very similar

No, we had a larger support base every year that we were in Super League than several current clubs, such as Hudds, Broncoquins and Salford.

-----------2002 2003 2004 2005

Widnes: 6510 6511 6153 6794

Wakey: 3889 4017 4806 5100

Salford: 4199 n/a 3996 4093

Saddened! wrote:

Finances - Equal. Both reformed under new ownership after going into administration through spending beyond their means.

I think you’d have to be a complete numbskull to ignore the reality of the current financial state of the Widnes Vikings. They will be able to spend up to the full salary cap. That strengthens Super League.

Saddened! wrote:

Facilities - Widnes win here.

Indeed it does and your answer contradicts your opening statement:

Saddened! wrote:

In what way bar their rented council stadium are Widnes any better than Wakefield?

Saddened! wrote:

On field ability - Widnes aren't the best team in the Championship and Wakefield are far from the worst in Super League so its a win for Wakey here

That’s quite true, but even you are not stupid enough to think that the same team would be coming up to SL.

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:21 am  

Wirefan wrote:

Can of worms debate discussed many times but it is my opinion that SL would be a better place with Widnes, Halifax in instead of Crusaders and Quins. Just my opinion that we need the grass roots to be strong before we invent new teams/move out of territory, and the London experiment just has not worked out for mine. Catalans has worked but they were already well established in the French Championship.

the Grass Roots are very strong in those two areas. Its not going to make it any stronger adding a 6th club in west yorkshire.

I could understand the strengthening the grass roots argument for Cumbria but not in this case.

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:27 am  

I feel sorry for the other applicants. Today is the Widnes show. Sky have revealed the decision already in how they've made it all about Widnes.

What I don't get is why the future of the current Sl sides isn't being decided at the same time. What if they review the applications and decide all the current teams deserve their place or are protected by being a franchise operation ?

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:28 am  

Saddened! wrote:

I feel sorry for the other applicants. Today is the Widnes show. Sky have revealed the decision already in how they've made it all about Widnes.

What I don't get is why the future of the current Sl sides isn't being decided at the same time. What if they review the applications and decide all the current teams deserve their place or are protected by being a franchise operation ?

if they dont let widnes in that would be hilarious! wish it was an early april fools day

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:28 am  

PHIPPS wrote:

Although I want Widnes to get the nod because they got shafted over last time round in favour of Crusaders

crusaders were always gonna get in......salford got in instead of widnes hth....

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:33 am  

Widnes!!!!!

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:34 am  

I'm suprised Widnes got in....no really

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:35 am  

Well I'm shocked.
Now the bun fight really starts.

Re: Franchise decision? : Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:36 am  

Interesting to see that Barrow have no chance, even in July.