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Re: Wales super league team : Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:29 pm

Here is a comment posted by @Birchy' on our Totalrl.com forum.

"At the start, I really did want crusaders to survive you know I really did, but i got thinking...imagine this (self indulgent) scenario...a parallel universe, where we have people in charge of the RFl who listen to the people, and who have patience and vision, rather than short term quick fix solutions.... and this was the scenario...

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A new team arrive in C2 - Celtic crusaders. A small fan base to start with, but with a bit of strategic publicity and a discount on entry fees provided by the RFL in a 3 year club startup deal (which did not involve the inclusion of ANY overseas players, but a grant to provide RL facilities for the club to start a U21's/academy side to encourage and develop local talent) the club develops a decent size fanbase over a period of 5 years. Some rugby union supporters and player converts to the code, and they develop about 500 season ticket holders.

In another 4 years, after a few attempts, they win promotion to C1, and now have a fanbase of about 800 Season ticket holders. fans from other clubs are now used to this club, and look forward to the banter provided by enthusiastic welsh fans. They are relegated the same year after a heroic relegation scrap with Batley.

In two years they return to C1 and finish mid table. Fanbase grows to an average of 1000 fans, and they slowly progress and do well. They become an established an well respected side, and when they finally earn inclusion into superleague 3 years later, every fan from other clubs wishes them well, because they have existed for 14 years, and EARNED the respect of other fans and clubs through blood, grit, and welsh determination. They now have a solid academy side and structure, and the long established financial structure and experience to be self sufficient and develop Welsh talent. 10 years later, Wales shock England with a surprise win in a world cup play off welsh coach Harris described as 'elated'

All this because the RFL were patient and had the vision to realise that the club had to establish itself for other fans to take it seriously. I honestly believe every other fan want new clubs to do well and expand, as long as it is a fair system, but now this mickey mouse gypsy team has lost its credibility. I feel for their fans i do, as they have to travel all over the country to support their team, and they deserve better.

Imagine a little bit of common sense...[size=150]" [/size]

Most think I'm againsy any kind of expansion. The above is what I believe to be the best way. However, the above also doesn't count for the "I want it, I want it now or I'm not playing" from LS or from the RFL accept his hurriedness in the search of short term unsustainable growth!!!
However, once the RFL decided to go for S.Wales, they should stay there. That's where the fan base is, however few of you. To go to Wrexham makes little sense whatsoever.
I can't see a future for the SL club under these circumstances and as the proposed S Wales club is not independent from the parent club, you have to fear for RL in Wales.
The RL got it spectacularly wrong. LS was/is impatient. The games management is in disaray!