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 🤣
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.
What happened to the Anthonys Travel arrangement?, they responded to a facebook post a while back indicated they hadnt been paid.
Can you all stop using this thread for general discussion. It is meant for asking for information from the Club to feed back. Please can we keep it that way.
There is an ongoing thread re; SL applicaton timetable. Please us that.
Cheers
Paulie xx
The last Widnes Vikings post on LinkedIn was 10 months ago. So it takes 90 days to re-set or get access to the account? That answer makes no sense then, as we could of had access months ago on that info.
No word on a regular fans email update from the club with latest news, next fixtures, hospitality etc. Featherstone asked me if I wanted to sign up when I purchased a £10 ticket the other day.
No word on why Allan is still being interviewed in front of a board with ACS, Commhoist, Wickes, Sleeptight Beds, Widnes Market and PICOW on it. Its great that we are winning games but 1. Its not professional and 2. Its important to keep hold of existing sponsors once you get them. Getting a new interview board printed with 2025 kit sponsors on is such a simple job.
I love it that we are playing so well on the field now and thats the main thing. But the off field stuff is so easy to sort out, its really frustrating.
Is the club planning on doing any events for the last home game of the year? To bring fans in Considering it’s London it will be a lower crowd as no away fans compared to the 50 we normally get lol. But the club really need to have some incentive for people to come other than the game because for £24 you’re not really getting much. Would love to know if the club has any plans for something like this.
@member151 I would imagine that they will, certainly for kids.
The question will be asked.
Paulie xx
Did the board have any conversations regarding a reduced ticketing price for the hunslet game ...or are they considering it for the final home game against London ? ...we've had the gaffer this week beating the drum to try and get 4,000 at the game but clubs have made no concession to encourage it ...or was it just not feasible due to match day costs....also what are the chances of a conversation with the council for better terms next season to enable the club to grow a bit more financially.....as the stadiums main tenant the council needs a strong vikings
Did the board have any conversations regarding a reduced ticketing price for the hunslet game ...or are they considering it for the final home game against London ? ...we've had the gaffer this week beating the drum to try and get 4,000 at the game but clubs have made no concession to encourage it ...or was it just not feasible due to match day costs....also what are the chances of a conversation with the council for better terms next season to enable the club to grow a bit more financially.....as the stadiums main tenant the council needs a strong vikings
@member151 I would imagine that they will, certainly for kids.
The question will be asked.
Paulie xx
Just asked the question and yes there will be offers on for the last 2 home games. The London game will also have face painting for the youngsters, also the final Women's game, which will be a celebration of them winning their league.
Details will be announced before the weekend. So until then, keep your powder dry.
Paulie xx
Prices are for the two remaining home fixtures;
age 5-11....; £10
age 12-18....; £20
Adults & Concessions.... ; £30
That's ONE ticket, TWO games.
Paulie xx
@pauliewalnuts good move. I see it's now on the ticket page of the website. £15 per game, not bad!