OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:28 am  

The major problem with franchising seems to me that it only tackles half the problem. All of the benefits of licensing are geared to the teams in SL. What really do the lower league clubs gain from this system? The answer is pretty much nothing.
I appreciate the introduction of Thursday night SKY games and the Co-operative as the competition sponsors but so much more could be done.

So If I was the Chief Executive of the RFL here is what I would propose...

I would look at the unbalanced funding of the three divisions.
Somehow an extra £100k - £200k should be allocated to the Championship clubs with a smaller but relative amount allocated to the Championship one clubs. Whether that comes from the RFL profits, greater allocation of the money from SKy. That would be the first clear objective.
Let's work on £100k which is still relatively small potatos compared to the amount given to the SL clubs. The funds would be placed into a development pot and not handed directly over to the club.
I would then appoint a club development officer to the divisions. This person would have the one solitary aim of developing these clubs.

Each club would be expected to prepare a business evaluation document in which they should highlight the current situation in the principle areas of the club i.e. Finances, Stadia, Youth, attendances etc etc.
It would then be the job of the development officer to work with the club in terms of agreeing the best allocation of the funds.
For example Barrow could receive the money to develop Craven Park, Halifax could receive the money to spend on marketing, Leigh could receive the money to spend on their academy, Fev could receive money to look at ways of increasing business invesment etc etc
Whichever area is agreed between the Dev officer and the club. The Dev officer should also be in a position to provide expert advice and guidance. I would also expect them to feedback to Redhall towers on the general wellbeing of the two divisions.
I would also look to make someone at a high level within the organisation accountable for developing these two divisions. Someone like Ralph Rimmer or Nigel.
There would be a yearly evaluation of how the money has been spent and the effect it has had but the ultimate aim would be to help develop each and every club.

Maybe there is not a lot that could be done in a year with that amount of money? I don't tknow? But year on year I would be looking for a gradual improvement so that in a time Barrow have an adequate ground and can then start to spend their money on increasing attendances, Fax are getting crowds of 3k or more and look to introduce an u18 side, Leigh have a good youth structure and look to increas their attendances etc etc.
These funds could not be used as a complete replacement of the clubs current outgoings in these areas but as a supplement.

There would also be a clear stipulation that It could not be spent on playing or coaching staff or that funds from these other areas are diverted to the playing side of things.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:44 am  

Chris you announcing the big news on the 3rd April?Stobarts sponsoring Superleague or Ste O Connor on the board of the RFL. Seriously good points you have made for the Championship, and i agree as we cant kill the leagues below Superleague.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 11:02 am  

Giving Sheffield £100k for development will not increase crowds, giving Championship clubs £250k to go FT, allowing a £750k salary cap and granting P&R subject to criteria will.
If your team is winning and at the top level playing numbers in that town will increase and the Academies will be stronger. Development is for non heartland and long term well being.
Stobarts are rumoured to being bought by Norbert's, that will free some cash up for Steve.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:01 pm  

If Sheffield spent the money (on top of what they already spend) on Marketing and publicity then maybe it would. If there was someone on hand that provided expert advice on where and when to market the product then who knows. To be clear I'm not talking about a jump of 2,000 in one go. I'm thinking of a gradual increase in the 100's but year on year.
There must be someone who can go through a list of initiatives that have proven to increase crowds. Some research available into what people want from their entertainment.
This is about trying to do something at all of the clubs and to improve the competition. Not just the clubs that already have a bit of money in their pockets. Do you not think that under your proposal Barrow would just yo yo between the two divisions before Des got bored pulled his cash out and they went bump!

There is no promotion up from SL so why do they get the crowds? Because of the product hopefully. It's about taking what you have and making it work. It's also about making people accountable for what they are supposed to be responsible for.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:04 pm  

Excellent post. I do think the championships are being completely ignored and put upon. This new era is all geared towards helping the richest, which fits in nicely with the way the tories are running the country, and it needs to change.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:16 pm  

Chris B wrote:

If Sheffield spent the money (on top of what they already spend) on Marketing and publicity then maybe it would. If there was someone on hand that provided expert advice on where and when to market the product then who knows. To be clear I'm not talking about a jump of 2,000 in one go. I'm thinking of a gradual increase in the 100's but year on year.
There must be someone who can go through a list of initiatives that have proven to increase crowds. Some research available into what people want from their entertainment.
This is about trying to do something at all of the clubs and to improve the competition. Not just the clubs that already have a bit of money in their pockets. Do you not think that under your proposal Barrow would just yo yo between the two divisions before Des got bored pulled his cash out and they went bump!

There is no promotion up from SL so why do they get the crowds? Because of the product hopefully. It's about taking what you have and making it work. It's also about making people accountable for what they are supposed to be responsible for.

Put your suggestion on the VT , Smokey will be along shortly to explain why not

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:34 pm  

I agree with that, make it an open discussion, see what the SL club supporters think with their blinkers on.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:28 pm  

I think that the Championship needs a lot more investment. It needs to be a place where Super League clubs can be relegated to, which wouldn’t be a complete disaster for it. Then we can have P&R back.

At the very least, whatever it costs to run academy teams should be given to Championship clubs and ring-fenced for that reason only. At least it would expand the player pool.

I just don’t think this is on Sky’s agenda. They are only really interested in Super League and want every penny they give the RFL spent on improving the quality of that league with the best players available from around the world. I think that is all they care about. The Championship seems to be broadcast by Sky as a sop to prevent it going elsewhere. I really don't think that Sky, or most of the secure SL chairmen give a flying love about the Championship.

It is as simple, and as sad, as that.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:46 pm  

Pepe wrote:

I think that the Championship needs a lot more investment. It needs to be a place where Super League clubs can be relegated to, which wouldn’t be a complete disaster for it. Then we can have P&R back.

At the very least, whatever it costs to run academy teams should be given to Championship clubs and ring-fenced for that reason only. At least it would expand the player pool.

I just don’t think this is on Sky’s agenda. They are only really interested in Super League and want every penny they give the RFL spent on improving the quality of that league with the best players available from around the world. I think that is all they care about. The Championship seems to be broadcast by Sky as a sop to prevent it going elsewhere. I really don't think that Sky, or most of the secure SL chairmen give a flying love about the Championship.

It is as simple, and as sad, as that.

That just about sums it up pepe.

Re: OT The Championship : Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:54 pm  

Starbug wrote:

Put your suggestion on the VT , Smokey will be along shortly to explain why not

You can handle that plonker,the problem starts when all his little mini-me's
join in snapping at your ankles.