I get your point but I'm not sure about that. If Salford fail to start this season, and the IMG system doesn't start until 2025, then past protocol is that the demoted team regains it's place by default.

Also think it's fair to say that we may well soon overhaul Toulouse in the ratings, as those I believe were provisional. The Toulouse buy ou,t last I heard, had not yet gone through.

Just thinking out loud, but after a frenzied start, the signings have died down completely - maybe we are holding fire, just in case. I suspect someone like Ellis will know the situation Salford are really in better than most, seems to do his research.

However it needs sorting, because whoever replaces Salford should the worst occur, are quickly running out of time.

Certainly not the simple P&R game it used to be, it's a brave new world, not my place to say whether it will be better or worse, time will tell on that one.

Actually, I agree with you
The best case is that Salford don’t go under but if they’re going to it needs sorting asap and if we’re being honest, Wakefield are by far the best club to replace them

But that changes our season. We are set for big crowds watching a lot of wins and building a feel good.
If we were promoted again we'd have a team that would hardly compete and be watching a lot of beatings again before we are prepared to take them on.

Though to be honest I'd take most of their first team if they needed the money.

Well as in my first post, I think Toulouse are ahead of us using the criteria but I think we are best placed to actually do the job but I guess we’d get asked and have the opportunity to say no if we felt we were being sent like lambs to the slaughter. The extra money from SL would be an incentive as would the more exciting fixture list and possibly higher numbers of visiting fans, hospitality sales and sponsorships that come with playing in the top division.

I agree we’d have to bring in some top quality players but we’re not being coached by a novice who’s out of his depth anymore.

Could be a shambolic SuperLeague next year, problems for Salford and London running a part time team.....

Rather be in the championship, looking forward to some exciting games again.

Agree, if SL approached us now to be in the league next year, I'd rather us turn it down, we are preparing well for the Championship next season and building for the future, we don't need to jeopardise that by singing to anyone else's tune.

One or two people within the game are questioning how Tolouse got such an high rating compared to London as they seem extremely evenly matched in every IMG criteria. People are also saying there has been no auditing or verification of any sort regarding clubs information that was provided to IMG.

Clubs other than Salford have already started to feel the financial pinch of reduced funding. I dont think there would be an appetite to see Tolouse join them due to lack of support and further travel costs. Every penny seems to count nowadays.

London have just released a kit without a sponsor. Anyone know why? Seems a bit strange when part of the IMG criteria is to increase sponsorship.

Salford aren't experiencing the pinch of reduced funding. They are feeling the impending swoop of the Grim Reaper from spending money they have never had.

It's not something that's "happening" to them, it's something they have created.

They aren't victims.