Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:32 pm  

1. I suspect that pressure could, if desired, be brought on Bradford Council to let the RFL, and thereby also the Bulls, off the hook as regards the lease on Odsal. ie. the Council could say ok we'll scrap the lease and you give us back the unencumbered freehold of Odsal. The Council could then do what ever is most advantageous for the people of the Bradford District with the land.

2. But, in the current climate (viz did you see the near very serious injuries at Old Trafford because of the non-existent gap between the dead ball lines and the perimeter fence [apart from that dangerous steep drop])?

Professional RL would not be allowed at Valley Parade nowadays. It's not long enough. For RL you need 100 metres for the field of play, 8 metres each for the in-goal areas and 5 metres at each end between the deadball line and the perimeter fence = 126 metres in total.

3. It shouldn't be difficult for this new board of directors to run the Bulls so it breaks even year on year from now on on the basis you are committed to not spending more than your income. The test for these directors, or any set of RL club directors, is do they have the skill/nous to gradually break-even over the years at higher and higher levels.

i.e. is it expected that in time they can get the Bulls' break-even level from say £1 milion in, £1 milion out each year up gradually to £10 milion in, £10 million out each year?

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:39 pm  

to be able to operate withing their means the club will have to forego the expectations of the fans who want to be in the playoffs, dream of Old Trafford and a visit to wembley. Unfortunately a lot of fans only attend when teams are successful, Bradfords success going forward for the next couple of years should be to not finish bottom of the league and try to rebuild from there. At least the RFL can help with a ground to play on at a minimal or zero cost

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:47 pm  

pie.warrior wrote:

At least the RFL can help with a ground to play on at a minimal or zero cost

Would you not expect that the Bulls would have to pay the same rent to the RFL that the RFL has to pay to Bradford Council?

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:48 pm  

Odsal's playing area is nowhere near 100 mtrs long.
I thought last time you went to VP 5000 fans were lost and that was the reason you returned to Odsal.
That's of far more importance surely than the length of the field of play.

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:59 pm  

Wooden Stand wrote:

Would you not expect that the Bulls would have to pay the same rent to the RFL that the RFL has to pay to Bradford Council?

The RFL paya a peppercorn rent to bradford council for the primary lease. Thinks its nominally £1. Bulls pay RFL something in region of 70k a year. Pretty sure bulls would love to pay RFL same rent as RFL pays council.

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:02 pm  

Wakey seem to have gone through a similar situation as us lately and I doubt if it's just us and them in this situation.[/quote]

I have the same thought. That's likely.

Thank you for the info on VP.

The game for supporters is emotional, the club Directors have to be business like, using statistics and historical data, using KPI's and forming an action plan that has realistic expectations as a business. Perhaps develop a rebranding exercise. I believe the supporters are giving up because the support they have previously given has been tarnished by incompetence (sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings) The Belong campaign is a good idea The club are striving for supporters and sponsors equally to believe and feel that...TO BELONG to the club.

It has not escaped my notice that the club has been majorly successful in the fact that 1. it still exists 2. That it still finished mid table and currently looking forward to a new year in Super league.

1. The Board has to change the supporters perception of how the club is run, like a business that will reinforce facts and involve the whole City.

2. Develop an understanding from no.1 above that we are all in it together.

3. Develop a greater understanding and a more positive relationship with the RFL

4. Sponsors will come if the Brand is right.

[PopTart]

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:08 pm  

Guys, any Wakefield fan will know how you feel right now.
It's tough to hear there are more financial issues when you thought the corner had been turned.

Hopefully Wakefield's position now will make you more positive. If it can't be solved by extra income streams, and you have more oportunity for that than we did, you can still steady the ship with tough decisions on general expenses as well as player salaries.
We are not there yet but are just about passed the worst and we are getting ready for start of season.

Hope you guys are successful in sorting these issues and have a great (or even just not bad) season ahead.

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:30 pm  

What an absolute mess.

Is it really that hard to run a rugby club and live within your means? Evidently so.

I thought it was as simple as evaluating the various income streams - fixed and variable, including a prudent contingency for the variable and then cut your cloth to suit. Over time develop and increase the income streams and give invest it back into the club on a break even model.

I would love to know what Robbie Paul thinks of this mess.

Its disappointing that the various cast involved in this seem to just walk away without a care in the world. Wheres Mr Hood at this time?

Unfortunately I feel the damage is now done, there was an opportunity to bounce back with a new regime and a solid plan but that ship has now sailed.

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:40 pm  

Far from it.

Facing more headwinds now, though.

And your reasoning presupposes that those running a club know what they are doing and are realistic in their financial assumptions.

Re: Fans Forum / Financial plight : Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:45 pm  

Wooden Stand wrote:

Would you not expect that the Bulls would have to pay the same rent to the RFL that the RFL has to pay to Bradford Council?

One peppercorn?



Well, at least we could (probably) afford that.