sheddings69

One of the main intentions of licensing was to allow clubs to plan financially over the medium - long term. Another was to slow down the plethora of overpaid antipodeans.......an abject failure on both counts.

At the start of the SL era, Oldham had no debt. The club(s) have been relegated once in the last 25 years. Crowds on average were about 700% what they are now and they were solvent. Prospered? Relatively yes. The new cub in 1997 started with no debt. Who would I have in place of CH? Anyone. What would I have him do? Speak to the fans may be a start. Oldham have the single largest RL supporters trust whose membership almost matches attendance figures. As you well know, I personally don't think P&R is necessarily the answer. However, belief that it is anything whatsoever to do with my clubs demise is the work of a fantasist.

Talking complete nonsense again! The present club started up with no debt and 3000 turned up to watch its first game. It's since had numerous winding up orders and languishes with less than 500 supporters.....purely bad management and nothing to do with P&R clearly!!!

Whereas the 'elite' has been able to sustain full time professionalism? Clearly not. Not a single person on here had questioned the standard of SL on the pitch, but clearly that's not been enough - licensing has failed the game which can't even attract a sponsor. Has SL become boring for those not involved? I've played, coached, lived and breathed RL for well over 50 years.....and I'm sad to say SL bores me!

Oldham under Hamilton are only going one way, irrespective of whether P&R is in place or not. No need for excuses, only a moron would think this issue has anything to do with Oldham!

I worry about the proposed changes. Not because its not the right thing to do for the greater RL family - it clearly is. However, the financial inequalities that licensing has created will take years to re-bridge.....and will the game have patience to stick with it? We don't know how P&R in the SL funded era would have panned out - we didn't stick with it long enough the first time to really know. However, I'm excited to feel part if the RL family once again. Like many I've felt ostracised for far too long. Here's to all working together again.

There are many alienated supporters that feel like us - great post! Catalans and London have got the same opportunities as everyone else. It's finally a level playing field with winners and losers - that's real sport.

If they fancy a bit of kick and clap because there's a few more quid in it for them, good luck to them. Not for me I'm afraid, it's like watching paint dry!

Clearly the game had to do something! Whilst SL has attracted new supporters, it has alienated just as many. With regards to P&R, at least it will generate less meaningful fixtures (and in a 14 team league there are plenty of them). Like it or loathe it, the thought that an Oxford, North Wales or Sheffield could make it into the 'big league' is what hopes, dreams and aspirations are all about. And thats were SL lost its way....not enough stories. dont be surprised if the top flight now finds a major sponsor.