Here are the correct gradings from the SL website rather than an (un)educated guess. We are one of only 3 grade A licences



Bradford Bulls B



Catalans Dragons C



Castleford Tigers C



Celtic Crusaders C



Harlequins RL C



Huddersfield Giants C



Hull FC A



Hull KR C



Leeds Rhinos A



St Helens B



Salford City Reds C



Wakefield Wildcats C



Warrington Wolves A



Wigan Warriors B

I don't agree with the decision, but I must admit its ambitious (albeit impatient) and fits in with the strategy of geographical expansion. So at least it is coherent for a change. It will probably be deemed a 'success', just like Harlequins is deemed a 'success' now, despite the fact that it will result in lower attendances across the league than would have been achieved if Leigh or Widnes would have been given a franchise.



The Les Cats case is often cited as a wonderful example of expansion but wrongly in my opinion. In truth this was simply the insertion of an already established French side into the SL, not the creation of a SL club in a development area.

Why is it not going to be the case the Salford stadium is already under construction and will be ready for the start of the 2010 season. So that will be 1 season at the old ground .

TBH i would be more worried about the Castleford ,Crusaders and Wakefield stadiums being up to scratch than the Salford one which imo is in the bag

Also Bradford ,Saints ,Hull kr and Leeds have a long way to go to get there stadia up to the required mark.

And to be brutally honest the only clubs who are already there are Wire,Hull,Wigan (although it is rented!) and Huddersfield .

Can't argue with what you say about promoted clubs coming from behind in respect of squads and finances. But look at it retrospectively too.



Looking at Widnes first; they did the hard part by staying up in their first season. Eventually relegated, because they weren't good enough. They have had two years since to get back in and haven't, another year (this season) would be three, no different than the licence duration.



If I am being brutally honest in respect of Leigh, I believe they came up, fully prepared and in the knowledge of going straight back down. They had no intention of trying to stay up.



Would Widnes, Leigh, etc, etc, be be bemoaning the fact of not getting promoted for three years, if thet didn't merit it? I don't see the difference.



I think people are missing the flip side of licensing; there is criteria to get in, I believe there will be criteria to remove, due to various non-performance elements. I don't know what they are, like everybody else outside the RFL, doesn't know the criteria for gaining a licence.



And when all said and one, as a regular away game attendee (as no doubt you are too Rob) I'd rather go to Bridgend for the day than Widnes.

I think Bridgend will make Widnes look like St Tropez.

No thats not true the are calling it the Viagra stadium as it stops them coming into Super League!!!

Having been to St Tropez, I can't see it.

What i wouldn`t mind knowing is how much Celtic Crusaders will get to spend on their squad for 2009, surely they won`t be given the full salary cap to spend as you have to earn that right with increased crowds and revenue etc



It will be interesting to know how the RFL will calculate their salary cap for 2009 because if it went on this years crowds then Celtic wouldn`t even be able to afford Johnny Warbo, quality aussies and other quality players don`t come cheap.

I'm sure RLFans Salary Cap Tsar SEB will know better but I'm pretty sure that there is now a 'flat' rate of 1.8 million rather than one calculated on revenue etc, making all of your post irrelevant.



I may well have dreamt that though.

Salford stadium, not yet a brick in place....ill wager anyone that Salford do not start 2010 in there new stadium.

Salary cap not linked to turn-over anymore.

HTH

how much do you wanna bet? I could make some money out of being nosey here





building work should start late September early October ready for 2010, take that big giant chip off your shoulder please and shove it up your rectum!