The Shay Stadium,
Halifax
HALIFAX RLFC values the support of Linda Riordan MP who frequently attends our matches.
However, she should not have put down the early day motion without consulting the club, and had she done so we would have urged her to reconsider it for a number of reasons.
First, because the Championship season is only seven games old (out of 20)
and there is no certainty that an unbeaten start will be translated into victory in the Play-off series, which traditionally was the means of promotion to Super League. To suggest otherwise shows lack of respect to our competition.
Second, because the statement that the club, "has a Stadium fit for purpose" is not yet true. Before the licensing system (not "franchising" as described in the motion) was introduced grounds were inspected in May, with Clubs required to show that they already had a 'Stadium fit for purpose.' Because of the current building works, and the demolition of the Weavers Restaurant, the Shay is less compliant, now, than at any time in the last five or more years.
Third, because Clubs had to show, at the time of that inspection, security of tenure in their Stadium, but negotiations to agree occupancy of the Shay for 2010 and beyond have not, yet, taken place.
If Mrs Riordan's motion had referred in general terms to the RFL reconsidering promotion and relegation, it may have had merit. That is a matter of opinion.
To qualify for the Super League Licensing round in 2011, the Club needs success on the field. With the continued support of Mrs Riordan and all our other supporters this could well be our year!
Michael Steele
Chairman, Halifax RLFC |
