Sad to say, but I think this is the end for Crusaders and a major set back for Welsh Rugby League. The fact is the owners have killed us. They wouldn't have suddenly realised that they couldn't finance the club, with going into administration too, they would have known months ago. They had options to not apply in the first place and plan ahead and make the club sustainable in the Championship, looked for a new investor before submitting an application to help finance the club, take a risk and get a licence and then look to sell the club, with the incentive to investors of owning a Super League club with a bright future and a lot of prospect. Instead, they have run us into the ground and in my opinion, given the Crusaders no future and to have to fold.
There was so much prospect with Crusaders. I don't think we were put in Super League too early. We've done very well to develop the game as we have done and increase participation to the amount we have. Despite going into administration and crowds dropping, we had achieved and thought off enough things to be able to cope in Super League. Despite all this, I think there are that many people who are willing to make Rugby League work in the whole of Wales, we will continue to develop young players and introduce as many new teams as possible. I really don't think we'd be able to cope in the Championship however. Despite the long way we've come, the structure and establishment isn't strong enough to cope with the huge difference between Super League and the Championship. No disrespect to Championship teams, but playing against Batley, Featherstone, Leigh etc doesn't attract people to games as playing Saints, Warrington, Wigan etc would. Then there's the fact that you can't attract professional, big name players to the club. I really don't think we'll be able to cope.
One thing I do know and which is brilliant with Crusaders supporters, is that we'll do anything we can to make Rugby League a success in Wales and if not in Wales, in Britain. We all love Rugby League now and I know if we lose Crusaders many will try and introduce new Welsh sides, travel to watch the Scorpions or even to Warrington, Wigan, Saints etc. I for one will follow and support Crusaders no matter where they're playing next season, but sadly I think this is the end.
Love my Rugby League.
The game will survive in North Wales. Too much work and effort has been put in, to let it go to waste. We have an appetite for this sport and we'll make it work.
You're likely to see me in a Crusaders shirt, in a Warrington game or a Catalans game.
Joined: May 13 2005 Posts: 2931 Location: In Dire Straits
Quote:="GouldyCrusader"]Sad to say, but I think this is the end for Crusaders and a major set back for Welsh Rugby League. The fact is the owners have killed us. They wouldn't have suddenly realised that they couldn't finance the club, with going into administration too, they would have known months ago. They had options to not apply in the first place and plan ahead and make the club sustainable in the Championship, looked for a new investor before submitting an application to help finance the club, take a risk and get a licence and then look to sell the club, with the incentive to investors of owning a Super League club with a bright future and a lot of prospect. Instead, they have run us into the ground and in my opinion, given the Crusaders no future and to have to fold. There was so much prospect with Crusaders. I don't think we were put in Super League too early. We've done very well to develop the game as we have done and increase participation to the amount we have. Despite going into administration and crowds dropping, we had achieved and thought off enough things to be able to cope in Super League. Despite all this, I think there are that many people who are willing to make Rugby League work in the whole of Wales, we will continue to develop young players and introduce as many new teams as possible. I really don't think we'd be able to cope in the Championship however. Despite the long way we've come, the structure and establishment isn't strong enough to cope with the huge difference between Super League and the Championship. No disrespect to Championship teams, but playing against Batley, Featherstone, Leigh etc doesn't attract people to games as playing Saints, Warrington, Wigan etc would. Then there's the fact that you can't attract professional, big name players to the club. I really don't think we'll be able to cope.
Well said.
You have been badly let down and its not the fault of the players, coach or fans. As you say, surely the directors knew some long time ago that sums didn't work. Makes you wonder about motives and competancy.
I believe you were OK for SL and your finish last year proved that. I think SL should have been expanded to include you and the cats.
One thing I do know and which is brilliant with Crusaders supporters, is that we'll do anything we can to make Rugby League a success in Wales and if not in Wales, in Britain. We all love Rugby League now and I know if we lose Crusaders many will try and introduce new Welsh sides, travel to watch the Scorpions or even to Warrington, Wigan, Saints etc. I for one will follow and support Crusaders no matter where they're playing next season, but sadly I think this is the end.[/quote]
GouldyCrusader wrote: No disrespect to Championship teams, but playing against Batley, Featherstone, Leigh etc doesn't attract people to games as playing Saints, Warrington, Wigan etc would. Then there's the fact that you can't attract professional, big name players to the club. I really don't think we'll be able to cope
Well you don't say!! Wigan or Fev? Tough one isn't it!
You had some big named players in NL2 - Josh Hannay, state of origin player, is just one example of this.
You couldn't cope in the Championship? It would be a disgrace if you couldn't!
Joined: Oct 13 2004 Posts: 36144 Location: Poodle Power!
SaintsFan wrote:What an insensitive and utterly obnoxious post.
I'm thoroughly sorry that this has happened to the Cru, whose loyal band of supporters were great to mix with, creating a fabulous atmosphere at Wrexham. Incompetent management is what has cost the club and how people from Wakefield can even begin to gloat, when they were in just the same position, beggars belief.
Where is the gloating in that post, you sir are a total ar*e. Jog off.
Joined: Jun 17 2002 Posts: 4146 Location: Rawmarsh, Rotherham
GouldyCrusader wrote:No disrespect to Championship teams, but playing against Batley, Featherstone, Leigh etc doesn't attract people to games as playing Saints, Warrington, Wigan etc would.
No kidding!! Trust me, to the paying public, playing against Crusaders doesn't have the same attraction as playing Fax, or Batley or Leigh, or Dewsbury, or Hunslet, or York etc etc etc! No disrespect intended!!!!!!
She carries on through it all......
She's a Waterfall
Joined: Feb 07 2009 Posts: 9974 Location: In the shed aerating my wort!!!
Kosh wrote:This would be the same board who, just a few short months ago, made an application complete with a business plan that was allegedly good enough for another three years in SL? That board? The same who only withdrew their application at the last minute after talks with the RFL?
Methinks somebody called their bluff.
Maybe so, but the way the RFL reported it that is not how it comes across. Perhaps that was to save face for one party or another I don't know. All I know is the right decision has happened and that would appear to come from the actions if the Cusaders club. I hope you can carry on, as ever supporters are the ones who suffer the most (we know that more than most) and you have my sympathy.
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