: Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:51 pm  

Jiffy Davies wrote:

I agree the next franchise opening i agree it should be us and leigh a few will drop out i think.

PS has anyone heard the rumour about ste mac having 8-10 games to see his results this year, heard a few in the north stand last week

I haven't heard that particular rumour, but I was told very recently by a local councillor that Widnes won't get in next time either because the RFL want teams from outside the M62 corridoor and because putting Widnes in next time will be an admission by the RFL that they were wrong last time.
He might be completely wrong on some of that, only time will tell.
My own view is neither Salford or Celtic will drop out. Salford won't because they could, if they do well, build a decent sized level of support even if the planned stadium doesn't come about. Celtic won't because, like Fulham/London, the RFL will give them all the support they can. After all the hype about it being "now or never for the game in Wales" (and we hear that every couple of decades) the RFL will look even more stupid if this latest venture fails.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:54 pm  

That TIW forum is pathetic but not too bad on here. Although you do have some inflated opinion of yourselfs and your "right" to be in SL.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:20 pm  

urbancarrot wrote:

That TIW forum is pathetic but not too bad on here. Although you do have some inflated opinion of yourselfs and your "right" to be in SL.

We're not too bad a spelling too.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:13 pm  

Can't say I've seen anyone write any such thing about our so called 'god given' right to be in SL.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:28 pm  

richardviking wrote:

Aye full marks St Andy.

However, I'm not bitter, I'll always feel we were hard-done by and disappointed, but there's no point in dwelling on it.

What I did find funny was on here and on trustinwidnes, there was a lot of people who weren't confident of being awarded a license, these same people were fuming after the announcement.

If we carry on as we are at the moment with some growth by 2011, it'd be only fair that we are granted a license then. Unless Leigh surpass us, which is unlikely.

You have no idea what position Leigh will be at in 3 years time,your unlikely quote may just be wishful thinking by then

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:34 pm  

Twitch wrote:

You have no idea what position Leigh will be at in 3 years time,your unlikely quote may just be wishful thinking by then

Neither do you, but for a NL club to significantly increase their average gate by 1500 in 3 years, have significant success on the field and improve every other factor surrounding the franchise decision significantly is a hell of an ask.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:53 pm  

St Andy's Land wrote:

As a totally disinterested party I must agree with IET. Widnes, not for the first time, were stitched up. When the results of the 'farce' of the franchises were made public, I posted an intention that my wife and I would make a point of visiting the Halton at least once this season, as a mark of solidarity with the bitterly disappointed Widnes fans. OK, so it will be just two more spectators for one game, but if more fair-minded people did the same it would give a lift to the board, the players and even the home-based fans. Looking over the preparations for all the clubs in the Championship I cannot see any finishing above Widnes. If, as I fully expect, the club does make the grand final, at least it will be considered for Super League in three year's time (assuming Lewis and his fellow conspirators don't move the goal posts.) We would like to wish all Widnes fans a good and successful season.

I was going to post something similar but since you said it so well, I'll just say ditto to all that! I've already visited Halton once this year and I'm hoping to get there again but as a neutral supporting Widnes. It's a fine stadium, a good team (I envy you your field kicker!) and besides all that, I want Widnes back in SL so I can abuse them from the terraces on a regular basis! (in the nicest possible way, obviously!)

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:56 pm  

Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot.

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:06 pm  

I have nothing against another French side and would have accepted Toulose getting a franchise, as they have been around for 60 years and have built a good enough to compete in things (Semi Final one year) like the challenge cup.They wouldn't have as much Aussie due to proximity to the RL hotbed.

I am no longer bitter and got of it a while ago the only thing and that is the antipodeans. Surely there is at least a few English SL players excited at what is going down in Wales and the obvious let offs the club will get.

Yes I do find the fans can be bitter and certain VT Widnes Fans, no offense but fingers mainly, are getting into arguments with the keyboard warrior that is cru.So the rest of VT prats are thinking all Widnes fans are as annoying as him.The they will get on the back of any proper Widnes fans when they make a proper and debatable thread about expansion or franchises.

Anyway that is my two cents

: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:37 pm  

With the current financial crisis our omission from SL may prove to be a blessing in disguise - no huge wage bill etc.
A couple of the clubs have already asked for their sky money early and it will be interesting to see if the banks start pulling overdrafts etc We will see if Mr Lewis' claims about the solvency of SL clubs turns out to be true.