For those who can’t access RWB Facebook
I attended the meeting and this report is a good assessment of that meeting. The takeover section was interesting ad as mentioned below, there is some confidentiality requirements, and I found it interesting about a couple of people win attendance at the discussion between both parties. I’m more than convinced that JM and MC will not jeopardise the future of WT and agree takeover terms unless both are absolutely certain it will secure WT future, however long the discussion takes.
Richard Whitehead Posted.
** MEMBER SHAREHOLDER UPDATE **
Sorry it's late, late finish to the meeting and then every way home to Leeds is either closed due to roadworks or shut just for the sake of it !!
I'll share what I can but might hold back a little in the latter stages due to confidentiality. Not been harsh but I'll explain in more detail later.
APPLEGARTH - TEAM NEWS
Mark Applegarth gave an update for the first 20 minutes but had to leave to complete some video for training tomorrow. Nothing much to give you here that hasn't already been discussed. Thanked fans for sticking by the team and was apologetic for the disappointing away performances. Jai Whitbread back training today and if all goes fine then he will be in contention for Friday. Tanginoa due to see a specialist this week with a view to returning soon. Franco is back, Hugo is now no longer banned and Griffin is available this week. A selection headache this weekend. Finally just a bit about Sean Long who looks like will be focussing on our attack. The club were really happy to get him on board and look forward to his input.
STADIUM UPDATES
The club are really happy with the pitch and can look back at those early issues that they had with a smile on their faces. Clearly a few mistakes were made getting people on it so early but now they are looking forward to SKY coming on Friday and hopefully commenting on the improvements. 1st team, reserves, scholarship, PDRL, LDRL, Ladies, Wakefield FC are all using the pitch in some capacity so it is definitely getting used and plans to push / promote it to wider areas just aren't necessary currently. North Stand still has an aim of doing something behind it by levelling off and using the space for food / drink areas but as always that comes at a cost. New East Stand won't have any seats in for this season, which is disappointing but it is what it is. It's not safe to just put seats in and the club aren't really allowed into that area still as it's in the hands of the builders and they are responsible for it. There has been delays to the works to the inner of the building as there hasn't been the staff to lay / build whatever the word is the breezeblock style bricks that you will see when it opens and you get a bite to eat or a drink. The aim to open is Mid October for the past players dinner along with other events and then the Xmas Party Season. Obviously an apology to all those sat behind the sticks patiently waiting for the stand to open but it will be next season and hopefully the weather holds out for the remaining home games. The Western Terrace is also on the list to be improved but again it's all down to cost and the need for it. Next season we could easily allocate a section of the new stand to away fans, have the remainder for home fans and just open the North Stand. No need to open up a stand if not needed in a similar way to teams like Warrington / St Helens and co have not done for us recently.
IMG
Club are happy with the proposals and I think the draft scores were due out today and if I remember rightly, may well be out tomorrow instead. Club are keen to look at areas of improvement but there are still a lot of questions to ask regarding how the scoring is made and how clubs can utilise certain areas. A discussion regarding attendances based on the number of season tickets sold and not actually the number that are in attendance was raised (think this was evident at Hull recently as there didn't look like there was 11000 there as reported). Social Media is a key improvement and I did raise the point regarding a little communication to fans goes a long way (interviews with players, regular updates with the chairman etc..). Funds again an issue as it wasn't a priority to other areas that needed immediate improvement. Maybe looking at involving Wakefield College Media students or something similar from the area. Overall though, the club seem happy with their improved IMG position with the on and off the field improvements over the past 12 months but remain focussed on continuous improvement.
TAKEOVER
Have to hold back a little on this area due to the confidentiality side of things. I did post a while a go asking for fans to remain quiet about the rumours and let the discussions continue and I'll respect my own post here. What I will say is that John is still very passionate about the club and wants to take it forward but wants to make sure it goes in the right hands. The prospective new owners also want to make sure they are buying the club and remain content on doing their due diligence. The delay is nothing more than continued discussions and answers whilst also one side trying to run a rugby club and the other running a successful kitchen business. Things can't just stop on both sides but discussions are still moving. I think the main factor that has brought this up from fans discussions is Michael's programme notes that said it would be complete in 4 weeks (which was probably 8 weeks ago when this went to print). That got fans talking and then questioning why it hadn't been completed. Michael wants out and is frustrated by the delay as well so I am sure everyone will get things sorted sooner rather than later but we are looking at the end of the season for a suitable timescale for this to happen. But the board are working closely with the new owners collectively in looking to bring investment in and improve the squad like they have done before completing the bigger picture in due course.
The lights went out on the ladies game about 9:15pm much to the shock of many in attendance in the room. There was a rumour that there had been a power cut because it was early but looks like they were turned off as soon as the ladies game finished (saving pennies on the leccy bill is still a priority).
All in all, another good evening with the powers that be and hopefully I've given you a bit more of an update.
