DaveTwentyman wrote:
I'd argue that most in Runcorn and the Wirral and North Wales won't be rugby league fans (Unlike Pontefract). However, the few that are might follow Widnes but they are just as likely to support Saints and Warrington too. Geographically we're all tied together.
Anyway, we'll agree to disagree. I've nowt against Widnes. I've never disliked them even when they were a top team which in a few seasons you could be. Continuity is key, especially with coaching staff.
Under a licence system, Fev have zero chance of a licence. That is more of a knock at the system than at fev by the way. I would much prefer P&R.
The people of pontefract may well be RL fans, but the area is littered with clubs that like to claim it as their territory, and fev will probably be at the back of the queue. You don't have anything like the support base in the Championship that Widnes had and we topped that statistic nearly every year. Even with a poop team.
The Halton area combined has a population of around 120,000. Halton council hs a 10% stake in the club, owns the stadium, promotes the club within the borough and Widnes has pretty much a sole stake within all of the schools in the borough. It is also part of our service area. Then there’s the Valhalla Foundation which is developing its community relations through a number of projects and initiatives based in and around the surrounding areas of Widnes and Runcorn. They deliver rugby league core skill coaching within schools both during and after school. The after school coaching in particular is designed to culminate in a tournament where the children can showcase their new skills. There have also been several very competitive curtain raisers to first team matches at the Stobart Stadium following the work done within schools. There are, contrary to what you say, many people in Runcorn who have an interest in RL. Some of them are VSH members.
So we are spreading the game outside of the traditional areas too. the fact that there aren't as many RL fans in the other regions we are targeting is actually a bonus. There's no other clubs to compete with either - they're all ours.
Then there's infrastructure, stadium and finance. You really would have to be utterly deluded to think Fev are anywhere near Widnes on that. What they do have, is wrapped up in several acres of land.
From a licencing criteria point of view, Fev are a very long way behind Widnes. From a playing standard point of view, Fev have got us beat hands down. There can be no argument from any Widnes fan on that score over the last few years. I wouldn't even be surprised if they could beat us now. We are very poorly coached. Steve O'Connor made a huge blunder in appointing Dennis Betts and he is making an even bigger one in standing by him, imo. It is bleeding our support and making us look like chumps. That could be changed by giving Betts the bullet and getting in someone who actually has a clue what they are doing.
On the playing side, Fev do deserve to be promoted but, just because they can do that in a very financially levelled Championship, doesn't mean that they could sustain it in Super League for 3 years. Even some big clubs are finding that hard. That could financially destroy a club like Fev. At least P&R had the safety valve of relegation. So, there is no way that Fev do deserve to be in a
licensed Super League before Widnes. With a P&R system yes but, if that had been in place, Steve O'Connor would have built a side in the Championship that probably would have been promoted anyway. Widnes would probably be the only team that could've spent (Legally and within RFL laws) up to the £400k salary cap limit. Either way, the
"Fetherstone should be in Super League before Widnes" argument, is totally based, under the current circumstances, on emotional and irrational notions.
And...
Before people have a go at me for pointing out these facts, I do not support the licence system and, further more, Widnes aren't responsible for it being in place.
