Marketing:-
The club could approach a local university,I have done a little research and Liverpool is very highly rated and obviously works geographically, and ask if there degree students would like some hands on experience, maybe with a donation from a board benefactor,to come up with and implement marketing strategies etc...
This could be multi beneficial and possibly worked into IMG points
@pauliewalnuts Thanks for the comprehensive feedback from the meeting.
It is interesting that you say that it has been agreed that the new Clubs will get the £1.3m central funding. I presume the Club has got that assurance and any application will be based on this assumption, unless we have a benefactor waiting in the wings.
I understand that the Panel deciding the two additional teams will take account of the IMG grading plus a further set of criteria, based on financial performance this year and financial sustainability forecasts for 2026 to 2028.
I think I read somewhere that the Club anticipated a 16th position in the IMG gradings this year, so if we are to get into SL it will be via the application route. I cannot see how Salford can remain in SL in the light of this year's farce. The Club should be punished by relegation anyway and not allowed to re-apply in 2026. Similarly, it would be a nonsense for London to be promoted when finishing in probably 10th position in the league. They should prove their worth in the Championship first.
That leaves Toulouse, York, Bradford and Widnes fighting for a place, although Oldham and Featherstone will be putting in strong bids. I believe that like London, Oldham need to prove their worth in the Championship for at least another season. There is a question about whether SL want another French team. That would leaves us fighting for a place with York, Bradford and maybe Featherstone. When are the IMG gradings due to be announced? Presumably, this is imminent as applications for the additional places are due in by 12 September, but this is rugby league.
I believe that the RFL should be looking to consolidate and improve the game at all levels. I am not convinced that the advent of SL has improved the game in any way and certainly the game has been mismanaged over many years. It is all well and good, Beaumont saying there could be a 16, 18 or 20 SL in the future. What is needed is a long-term plan from RFL with a clear aim to improve the game at all levels.
Personally, I would prefer a two league professional/semi-professional sport, with a fair distribution of central funding between the two leagues, with promotion and relegation based on performance. You could still apply the IMG system requiring Clubs to meet minimum standards for admission to those leagues.
I see Luke Riley a Widnes lad has been promoted to UFC fighting. I did mention this to Mike Parsons but I do think it would be a good idea for him to get a UFC fight at the DCBL stadium? It could put Widnes on the map and another buzz at the stadium like the Warrington game. I know the Council will probably get the money but possibly get Luke to promote Widnes rugby club. 🤣
UFC would never consider putting an event on in Widnes 🤣
I love this club, probably more than I can take with some of the crunchie we’ve all dealt with.
But how our chairman thinks we have a realistic chance of SL next year is beyond my comprehension. We’re nowhere near, financially or otherwise and if it affects our recruitment for next year by having this pipe dream on hold it’s only going to make it tougher next season. Let go of the SL dream because very soon that SL of magical clubs is all going to come crashing down
UFC would never consider putting an event on in Widnes 🤣
They may consider your scouser friend Mel C singing ? Probably the longhouse 😂🎶
To be in Super league I do feel we would need very big investors like Leigh. Without Beaumont they would not have achieved the fan base they have now.
I love this club, probably more than I can take with some of the crunchie we’ve all dealt with.
But how our chairman thinks we have a realistic chance of SL next year is beyond my comprehension. We’re nowhere near, financially or otherwise and if it affects our recruitment for next year by having this pipe dream on hold it’s only going to make it tougher next season. Let go of the SL dream because very soon that SL of magical clubs is all going to come crashing down
You seem very well informed about the Clubs finances, SV55. Feel free to tell the Forum what they are, and what is in place for a SL bid, because I'd love to know.
Paulie xx
@pauliewalnuts paulie come on pal, I never said I knew the finances but you cannot suddenly go from 7th highest spenders (which AC has said numerous times in interviews) to suddenly be able to be a competitive SL spending side.
i appreciate your one of the fan ambassadors but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our opinions, mine is the SL dream is just that, a dream without someone like backhouse coming out and pledging millions, we cannot expect to compete
How do you know the club does not already have several serious backers in the wings who are only prepared to invest if we make SL status? No SL place - no investment.
I find it hard to believe that our Board would make a SL bid without having appropriate funding confirmed and in place. Any SL bid surely must include proper funding without which the bid will automatically fail.
@sunny I don’t, but I’m cynical about it.
And do we really want a backer or several who will only invest if we get into SL?
Why wouldn’t they come in now, when it’s cheaper to invest int eh championship, to strengthen our bid for SL? Is that not a concerning thought after what we’ve been through in the past?
@sunny I don’t, but I’m cynical about it.
And do we really want a backer or several who will only invest if we get into SL?
Why wouldn’t they come in now, when it’s cheaper to invest int eh championship, to strengthen our bid for SL? Is that not a concerning thought after what we’ve been through in the past?
It's cheaper to invest in the Championship, because that's what it is, THE CHAMPIONSHIP. There's no real gain for your investment, it doesn't raise the profile for your Company etc. The investors, technically, are on board now, as the Club have to demonstrate to the Selection Committee/RFL what the financial projection is for the next 3 years. They don't want another 'Salford Scenario'
Paulie xx
How do you know the club does not already have several serious backers in the wings who are only prepared to invest if we make SL status? No SL place - no investment.
I find it hard to believe that our Board would make a SL bid without having appropriate funding confirmed and in place. Any SL bid surely must include proper funding without which the bid will automatically fail.
Nail. On. Head.
Paulie xx
@pauliewalnuts if we are one of the lowest spends in the championship it would indicate cash is tight, unless of course the club are holding on to a warchest or a money man is coming in.
@pauliewalnuts if we are one of the lowest spends in the championship it would indicate cash is tight, unless of course the club are holding on to a warchest or a money man is coming in.
Make of it what you will.
We are 7th lowest spend because we won't go boom and bust, and will stay in the 'black' so as there is a WVRLFC next season, and the season after, and so on. The higher spenders are not spending to WV principles, a few have wealthy backers (York Toulouse to name 2) others are operating at a loss, with bridging loans chasing a gig at the top table. Tell me what you prefer?
I don't agree with everything that the Club does, as I'm just a fan and have no influence, other than giving them my ST money each year. I'm no sycophant, if I think they can do things better, I'll tell them, like the other 3 Fan Ambassadors will. What I can't do is tell them how they should spend their funds, that's their prerogative.
Paulie xx
We are better off doing what we are now - other teams will come and go dependant on their benefactor - watch this space with hudds and Oldham