Wigan and the Franchise

[DaveO]

Widnes have lost out due to going bust so recently.

For Wigan this is what the RFL have to say:

WIGAN WARRIORS

The club is playing in an excellent stadium and attracts good attendances. There is currently some reliance on the new majority shareholder. The club has strong commercial plans and is a market leader in many aspects of marketing and commercial activity. The club has had what it will view as disappointing Super League results in recent seasons and now seems to be making use of its excellent playing infrastructure. The club achieves national honours at scholarship level and has expressed commitment to converting more into the first team squad.

I think the bit on bold is damning us with faint praise.

First of all if out attendances are merely good, what does that say about all bar Leeds?

As to the reliance on the major shareholder we now have a board of directors and given our attendances and commercial side is what it is I can't see how they mean in a financial sense. Finally as to converting more young player sinto the first team we have more than all bar Leeds and possibly Saints at a quick guess.

To compare here is what they say about Leeds:

LEEDS RHINOS

An example of an older stadium that has had significant improvements, with more planned. The club has historic and projected profits and strong net assets. Commercially the club has produced good results and they achieve high attendances. The club’s playing record speaks for itself and the club is producing quality Club Trained players.


And Saints:

ST HELENS

The ground is an old and tired stadium. However, a new stadium is planned and has recently secured planning permission. The club’s financial position and commercial activities are constrained by the current stadium. Financial plans are based around a new facility. The club is a market leader in merchandise. On the playing side, the club has a strong infrastructure and again are market leaders in junior production.

Notice no mention of crowds here.

Dave

[cpwigan]

Many of those comments have no relevance to franchising. They are also incredibly subjective. I would dispute that Saints are market leaders in junior production. Wigan and Leeds are their equal if not better.

Far too many inflamatory and subjective comments.

[waterside glens]

the rfl has released a new book it's called "How to twist the facts". What else did we expect

[the-Bowtun-Warrior]

im pretty happy with the choices....


dont like going to Widnes & for me they're not an exciting prospect!

[warrior till i die]

well a trip to south wales

[the-Bowtun-Warrior]

well a trip to south wales

looking forward to it

[DaveO]

Many of those comments have no relevance to franchising. They are also incredibly subjective.

Well if you read the full press release I posted in general rl section it says this:

"Clubs had to submit their applications to the RFL by 31 March 2008 in the knowledge that their submission would be assessed in four main areas: - stadium facilities, finance and business performance, commercial and marketing, and playing strength including junior player production development."

Far too many inflamatory and subjective comments.

I agree you can read all the comments in my post gin general rl and I think the comments about Cas and Wakey and I would say Salford really are giving this trio the benefit of the doubt as regards their new grounds and what they will achieve commercially.

Also, just think what they would have to write about Saints had they not secured the new ground? Not a lot !!

Dave

[warrior till i die]

our summary seems one of the best!

It also hints that if tolouse and widnes apply again in 3 years they will get in!

[pedro]

it sounds a joke as they said they classed facilities as key. When you look at Cas, Wakefield and Celtic. They all say old but well maintained (they musnt have been to Cas or Wakey). Lewis said Cas are on he way to start building. It will prob take 3 years so in that case they should apply then. Celtic dont even have an academy. Its a shambles.

Feel sorry for Leigh and Widness as they saw their short comings and did something about it.

When Wakey were promoted they did so with the promise they would improve their ground, they should be kicked out due to them just lying about it.

Least we all know why the magic weekend really isnt in Wales next year.

[Doveoverdave]

Wakey promised SL new stadia YEARS ago and instead piled a load of porta cabins behind the sticks!