@sandgroper It is more about the number of fans signed up although currently now 152. Whereas previous set up had nearer 1,000. I know we are in tough times financially but one seventh or so of previous member ship is a drastic fall off.
The previous membership scheme had 20 years to build its numbers up. Whoever's fault it is that VIQI was closed has cost the club a lot of money.
I doubt that they will all have just walked away but when VIQI closed down many would be in the middle of a depression as far as earnings go and having to make an effort to actually give money away was just too much.
Some good signings still to come hopefully and a more positive looking team and coaches and things can change again! That sort of crowd funding has to be our only answer to the need to spend more.
@frankg I make it 13 so far. Probably Butt & Lloyd to be added to that & possibly Sam Brookes would make 16. Brookes may have improved since last here & now on wikipedia as 17 stone plus so bulked up. What does concern me though the likes of Featherstone signing Reynolds from Leigh & York signing more high profile players than us. Unless we get a classy stand off I cannot see us worrying the top 6 once again.
@frankg 16 in squad from my first response. It is likely those not released are staying so Brookes winger. (JJ forgot already included in 16 as contracted), Bent & Roberts make 19 & I really hope Dudson a possible, but so far rumours have been correct, makes 20. So 6 more to come in or going to run with 24 or so that is terribly risky. However our new coach is used to doing that.
A concern for me also after our fitness coach has left that we may not be as fit next season as I think we had a superb guy for the last 2 years that may not be possible to replace to the same standard.
The majority of those signed during the meltdown, me included and a few people I know. None of us have joined the VIP as of yet but if VIQI had not closed the money would have still been going out without a second thought. Ultimately it is my fault for not renewing but as you say the closing of VIQI has cost the club dear.
Can't honestly remember Brooks when he played for us (not a good sign!!) and he seems to have fallen down Barrow's best squad rating. However, hopefully he has bulked up, rather than got fat, and will have been left in no doubt as to what is expected!
A bit saddened that Ollie Davies has gone, always put the effort in but he hasn't got an aggressive version of his game.
The signing of a good conditioner is vital, makes a massive difference. Maybe a young up and coming option could be found at Saints or at another top side?
Brooks barely got a game when he has here before. In fairness to him he was young for a prop and we were in SL at the time. Haven’t really seen him enough times since to form a judgment on how good he is but he’s likely to be more effective at this level than he was in the top flight.
Thank goodness for that, at last a statement of intent
we have a decent front row now, just need ac6 and some back rowers and a centre and we are there !
widdop been released - any chance ?