The supposed First Lady of Rugby League has a lot to answer for. Maybe we should have all seen it coming, but if Thunder had survived though would have thrived. The fan base went from 1000 to 3000 in 1 season, and it was no coincidence that the season after the Thunder demise the Newcastle Falcons crowds had a dramatic increase.

It's taken time but good to see Gateshead bouncing back well.

Lesson 1: Don't spend money you've not got (or just been promised)

I think you will find the issue was down to a shareholders dispute. 3 shareholders, one paying all the bills even though they only owed 20%. The other two who owed the club £120,000 (and 80% of share between them) had not payed. Mr Garside payed everything off in full and decided he had enough as the others had not put a penny in for some time.

Thus the Garsides pulling their funding and closing up shop. I totaly understand their position

aye, people aren't in 'lower league' RL to make money are they ?
Not many clubs haven't had 'money problems' , infact Widnes, Leigh, Halifax, Oldham, Rochdale, Whitehaven, Doncaster, ........
Probably better these days, not to get too ambitious.