Barrow for SL?

[thirteenthman]

Apologies if I've missed reading about it somewhere, but does anybody know if Barrow are actually serious about applying for SL at some point? After last year's GF success I assumed the club might have pushed on with plans for the ground, as Craven Park clearly isn't up to SL standard. As far as I know nothing seems to be happening.

[Bomb Jack]

They beat Widnes 38-0 today so are obviously ready.

Give 'em a License...........

[goldcard]

OK, 13th, you only joined in May.

So, bottom of the forum, along to the left is a "forum search" section.

This may be of help, cos this is a topic which has been on so many times since they had a "crowd" and nearly beat Wigan, but didn't.

They've ticked a box, that's all, basically.

[Bulletproof]

People putting Barrow forward for candidacy, have any of them ever actually been there? It's one of the worst stadiums I've ever been to in either of the top two divisions. Under the old system, they'd probably, and rightfully be knocked back. You cannot hold super league there. It's a toilet.

They got the better of us today, not going to deny that. But under the system we have, over three years, one year single results don't cut it. It's about the total package, and Barrow are really, really far behind in that respect. Behind us, Halifax, Leigh and even Fev.

If you've been there, supporting their super league application is a joke. It really is.

[Maximus Decimus]

Apologies if I've missed reading about it somewhere, but does anybody know if Barrow are actually serious about applying for SL at some point? After last year's GF success I assumed the club might have pushed on with plans for the ground, as Craven Park clearly isn't up to SL standard. As far as I know nothing seems to be happening.

Today was my first visit to Craven Park and it's safe to say it's nowhere near Super League standard, so that is a massive barrier.

That said if they did have a better stadium they probably have potential because that stadium must stop a lot of fans from coming.

[thirteenthman]

I'm not suggesting that they should be in SL, I was just wondering if they've said anything about applying for SL, doing the ground up or building a new one. It seems odd that with a financial backer that they haven't made any progress towards it.

[mick wilson]

People putting Barrow forward for candidacy, have any of them ever actually been there? It's one of the worst stadiums I've ever been to in either of the top two divisions. Under the old system, they'd probably, and rightfully be knocked back. You cannot hold super league there. It's a toilet.

They got the better of us today, not going to deny that. But under the system we have, over three years, one year single results don't cut it. It's about the total package, and Barrow are really, really far behind in that respect. Behind us, Halifax, Leigh and even Fev.

If you've been there, supporting their super league application is a joke. It really is.

[a.n Other]

They beat Widnes 38-0 today so are obviously ready.

Give 'em a License...........

Thats no reason for giving them a licence, most teams have beaten Widnes this year.

[mick wilson]

Apologies if I've missed reading about it somewhere, but does anybody know if Barrow are actually serious about applying for SL at some point? After last year's GF success I assumed the club might have pushed on with plans for the ground, as Craven Park clearly isn't up to SL standard. As far as I know nothing seems to be happening.

Were not ready IMO

Plenty of non-widnes RL fans like our ground, be we know its past its sell by date.

We own our ground 100%

There are so interesting redevelopment plans around but if we are going ahead with this I dont know, We have a supporters fund in place and ran by very committed supporters to help raise some money to in part fund any new redevelopment, not sure how much has been raised.

Guess we have to wait and see.

[hunsletgiant]

I was at Craven Park earlier in the season and loved it. The fans and staff there are great, it does need some development but I would rather go to Barrow than Widnes any day.

[shrek]

Today was my first visit to Craven Park and it's safe to say it's nowhere near Super League standard, so that is a massive barrier.

I've been a couple of times this year having never been to Craven Park before.

It has a loveable faded charm about it that I quite liked, but see the point, it does need a lot of work doing and its not the sort of ground I'd get the wife to visit a 2nd time!

That said its a tough gig justifying a new ground on the off chance that the RFL are going to give you a new licence in 2015 given there track record for moving the goal posts and who knows when the next "enthusiastic millionaire" is going to pitch up and offer the chance of expansion thats to good to turn down pushing existing sides further down the pecking order.

When your talking major investment like grounds I'd be willing to make some concessions as part of the process of being awarded a licence if it were down to me to write the criteria. I'd want to see realistic plans with outline planning permissions in place or at the very least written assurances from local officials that they'd look favourably on the plans and to break this cycle existing Super League clubs have had of being able to whip out various artistic drawings whilst doing nothing I'd want a cash pledge/bond lodged with the RFL from the board of directors that would be lost if they failed to start work within the agreed timescales having been granted a licence.

[Maximus Decimus]

Were not ready IMO

Plenty of non-widnes RL fans like our ground, be we know its past its sell by date.

We own our ground 100%

There are so interesting redevelopment plans around but if we are going ahead with this I dont know, We have a supporters fund in place and ran by very committed supporters to help raise some money to in part fund any new redevelopment, not sure how much has been raised.

Guess we have to wait and see.

I think the club are too honest. Most people I was with couldn't get over how cheap the food was, even if the quality's not the best.

[Maximus Decimus]

I've been a couple of times this year having never been to Craven Park before.

It has a loveable faded charm about it that I quite liked, but see the point, it does need a lot of work doing and its not the sort of ground I'd get the wife to visit a 2nd time!

That said its a tough gig justifying a new ground on the off chance that the RFL are going to give you a new licence in 2015 given there track record for moving the goal posts and who knows when the next "enthusiastic millionaire" is going to pitch up and offer the chance of expansion thats to good to turn down pushing existing sides further down the pecking order.

When your talking major investment like grounds I'd be willing to make some concessions as part of the process of being awarded a licence if it were down to me to write the criteria. I'd want to see realistic plans with outline planning permissions in place or at the very least written assurances from local officials that they'd look favourably on the plans and to break this cycle existing Super League clubs have had of being able to whip out various artistic drawings whilst doing nothing I'd want a cash pledge/bond lodged with the RFL from the board of directors that would be lost if they failed to start work within the agreed timescales having been granted a licence.

It does have a charm in the same way that most of the old stadia do, but it's only for reasons of nostalgia. It's like going to the rugby used to be.

It's nice once in a while, but my over-riding feeling coming into the ground was that it showed exactly why we have licensing criteria in the first place. The place and places like it couldn't and shouldn't be hosting top level modern RL. The views are rubbish, the facilities are poor and it makes it difficult to bring new fans to the sport.

[Jill Halfpenny fan]

Thats no reason for giving them a licence, most teams have beaten Widnes this year.

Nice one.

[goudie]

People putting Barrow forward for candidacy, have any of them ever actually been there? It's one of the worst stadiums I've ever been to in either of the top two divisions. Under the old system, they'd probably, and rightfully be knocked back. You cannot hold super league there. It's a toilet.

They got the better of us today, not going to deny that. But under the system we have, over three years, one year single results don't cut it. It's about the total package, and Barrow are really, really far behind in that respect. Behind us, Halifax, Leigh and even Fev.

If you've been there, supporting their super league application is a joke. It really is.

Hiya Bulletproof,

Let's put the shoe on the other foot, and make this a different scenario. what if Widnes had failed to win the Northern rail cup. do you think you still would of gotten into super league.

[Jill Halfpenny fan]

Been to Craven Park loads of times over the years.

Ground hasn't changed much.

A590's a bit better these days.

Remember when we used to go through Dalton and come in through the town centre.

[goldcard]

It does have a charm in the same way that most of the old stadia do, but it's only for reasons of nostalgia. It's like going to the rugby used to be.

It's nice once in a while, but my over-riding feeling coming into the ground was that it showed exactly why we have licensing criteria in the first place. The place and places like it couldn't and shouldn't be hosting top level modern RL. The views are rubbish, the facilities are poor and it makes it difficult to bring new fans to the sport.

But...

if it's once a year, if only to follow your team there?

If the homesters put up while new facilities are built, and if if were be given a temporary re-vamp to 8k capacity in the interim also.

I know what you mean about the nostalgia aspect, it's a nice venue, but outdated, but between my 2 visits, the stand has changed.

I have always felt that 6k in an old 8k stadium gets a better atmosphere than 8k in a new sterile 15k venue.

However, apparently it's the dawn of a new age, and sterility is better.

So Barrow fall short there.

[The Parksider]

Apologies if I've missed reading about it somewhere, but does anybody know if Barrow are actually serious about applying for SL at some point? After last year's GF success I assumed the club might have pushed on with plans for the ground, as Craven Park clearly isn't up to SL standard. As far as I know nothing seems to be happening.

For "Barrow" read Mr. Johnson their benevolent chairman.

Mr. Johnson has tended to put his peronal investment in the club into their NL side which has been able to compete for honours with their top of the table NL rivals.

If Mr. Johnson wants Superleague then he needs to put a lot more investment in, and see if he cannot stimulate additional investment (A community stadium for both Soccer and RL with the help of the council could be a thought - but that's all it would be at the mo).

Some equivalents of Mr. Johnson who have got their clubs in SL would seem to put in seven figures a year, whilst Mr. Johnson seems prepared to go to only six figures.

So I think there's no "serious" application in for Barrow, and it should be remembered that applying for SL and applying "seriously" are two different things.

[mick wilson]

Been to Craven Park loads of times over the years.

Ground hasn't changed much.

A590's a bit better these days.

Remember when we used to go through Dalton and come in through the town centre.

Also the High & Low Newton bypass, the Ulverston realignment etc must have shaved 20 mins plus on your journey times from the M6

shrek what do you mean by this " its not the sort of ground I'd get the wife to visit a 2nd time!" ???

Edited September 5, 2010 by mick wilson

[Bulletproof]

Hiya Bulletproof,

Let's put the shoe on the other foot, and make this a different scenario. what if Widnes had failed to win the Northern rail cup. do you think you still would of gotten into super league.

As people have been fondly throwing around in every conversation except ones like these, if we had failed in our first attempt we would have had a different squad for the play offs last year and the league this year.

We have had a plan to get to super league. Our youth was apparently an issue last time. This time, we're the only club really giving youth a go in our division. We have blooded a number of youngsters this season, it's not easy to get the balance right. Other teams have brought in journeymen instead. They already have the experience to win matches. All our first win has done is made sure we could concentrate on the strength of our bid and address the issues we have been given.

Other teams have not been addressing youth.

[shrek]

shrek what do you mean by this " its not the sort of ground I'd get the wife to visit a 2nd time!" ???

She gladly came along for the Hunslet Warriors game, point blankly refused to come along to the Hawks game in the next round, just not her cup of tea, she's been spoilt with the comfy seats of the DW!

She refused the offer of Castleford and Saints this season as well having been to both of those just the once as well, what can I say, she's southern!

[tonyXIII]

She gladly came along for the Hunslet Warriors game, point blankly refused to come along to the Hawks game in the next round, just not her cup of tea, she's been spoilt with the comfy seats of the DW!

She refused the offer of Castleford and Saints this season as well having been to both of those just the once as well, what can I say, she's southern sensible!

Corrected your typo for you.

[goldcard]

She gladly came along for the Hunslet Warriors game, point blankly refused to come along to the Hawks game in the next round, just not her cup of tea, she's been spoilt with the comfy seats of the DW!

She refused the offer of Castleford and Saints this season as well having been to both of those just the once as well, what can I say, she's southern!

I'll sympathise and empathise, so's mine.

Took her to Halifax and the Bevan Stand at Wilderspool, and, erm that was it.

Fer christ's sake, how good a time does a lass want when we were facing relegation ?

[tonyXIII]

Hiya Bulletproof,

Let's put the shoe on the other foot, and make this a different scenario. what if Widnes had failed to win the Northern rail cup. do you think you still would of gotten into super league.

May I offer an answer?

As bulletproof says, Widnes would have altered their priorities and gained the 'performance criterion' in some other way. They have now, as far as anyone here can see, ticked every single box possible. They might even get an 'A' licence! (Crowds and geography probably mean they won't, but they will be close)

No other Championship club (and one or two SL clubs) come close.

[tonyXIII]

I'll sympathise and empathise, so's mine.

Took her to Halifax and the Bevan Stand at Wilderspool, and, erm that was it.

Fer christ's sake, how good a time does a lass want when we were facing relegation ?

A bloody sight more than a half of bitter and a packet of crisps!

Were you trying to impress her or get rid of her?