Even that was too late with the p & r system. Most players are signed up by July / August.

Hull KR were the only exception to the rule, as they were a really well assembled side that were streets ahead of anything the National Leagues had to offer.

The last club to make a real impact after promotion was Widnes in 2002. The Grand Final was months ahead of the SL one.

We dont need to get the nod over Halifax as they are an inferior club.

I`m hope the RFL go down the route and add 2 more clubs to the league.

Not enough teams in it i think .

Surely a simply meathod of adding 2 more high status clubs to the league will spice it up more.

Big crowds happy days

An inferior club which has won 2 out of 3 against the "golden boys" although I do realize that a SL license has nothing to do with on-field performances.

Despite your snooty broadside, i do agree that Widnes currently offer more to SL than Halifax do. Indeed there are 3 or 4 clubs already in SL inferior to Widnes IMO.

I was

May i take the hook out of my mouth now?

Only Widnes fans have posted on the thread so far so no need to remove my friend.

Lets look at Widnes/Fax/Leigh, will give marks out of 10 at the end of each group


Sponsorship

Widnes - Stobarts

Halifax - Halifax home insurance thingy me bob

Leigh - JR (local pie seller)???

Widnes - 8/10
Halifax - 7/10
Leigh - 4/10

Ground

Widnes - Stobart Stadium all seater

Halifax - Half good half bad, once finished will look decent enough

Leigh - Cracking sports Village

Widnes - 8/10
Halifax - 7/10 (if finished)
Leigh - 9/10

Support

Widnes - average at around 3,800

Halifax - average at around 2,400

Leigh - average at around 1,900

Widnes - 6/10
Halifax - 5/10
Leigh - 4/10

Chairman

Widnes - Steve O'connor - Millionaire business man who works for a huge company

Halifax - Michael Steele - apologies but dont know anything about him

Leigh - Arthur Thomas - Millionaire??????

Widnes - 8/10
Halifax - 6/10
Leigh - 6/10

Youth setup/scholarship/community

Widnes - Run at all ages and have award winning community programme. 6 home grown in squad

Halifax - No academy at any level but decent community work.

Leigh - Reserve side but no academy or foundation, award winning community work. Numerous home grown in squad


Widnes - 8/10
Halifax - 4/10
Leigh - 6/10

Professional club setup/Media prescense

Widnes - Up to date official website, and sky media bitches in Terry Oconnor and Paul King Cullen. Correct people in place at the club.

Halifax - Up to date website, would need to employ more staff in key positions within the club to advance.

Leigh - Not a bad website but can be improved, probably need a couple more key individuals added to the club.


Widnes - 8/10
Halifax - 6/10
Leigh - 6/10







Totals


Widnes 46
Halifax 35
Leigh 35

I can't say I agree with all your marking but to be honest come 2011 a lot could change and you must realise that.

If Leigh get relagated the gamble of bulding a team from next year will of failed, if we stay up,we will be 100% stronger next year on many fronts.

The French bid will definately be a strong one and Gateshead have a lot of backing.

Widnes are in the box seat but as you know only too well the RFL are anything but fair in whatever they do.

I just wish everyone would enjoy a great League that we are in at present,the speculation about Franchising drives me nuts.

Vikingman - you should be on the selection panel ! A good effort there, nice bit of research and no shocks. Well done - a better "licensee" than Al Murray