London Broncos (Merged Threads)

[Henson Park Old Firm]

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/london-broncos-future-at-wimbledon-uncertain-as-break-clause-activated

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

7 minutes ago, Henson Park Old Firm said:

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/london-broncos-future-at-wimbledon-uncertain-as-break-clause-activated

[welshmagpie]

1 hour ago, Pen-Y-Bont Crusader said:

Long term deal out.

Rolling deal, year by year instead. 

[langpark]

It just seems beyond unsustainable to stay there.

[THE RED ROOSTER]

The break clause activation is a very interesting developoment. As would be moving to a one year rolling deal, for this is where the IMG criteria bites because the whole rationale behind Plough Lane is that the stadium is required to regain Super League status, something Mike Eccles seems to confirm.. 

Problem is though the Broncos are playing at FOUR different grounds this season, Plough Lane, Ebbesfleet FC, Rosslyn Park RFC and New River Stadium with training and the womens team at Rosslyn Park. That is an unsustainable economic model as I have posted before..

Remember that the unique selling point for Ealing Trailfinders RFC where the club did play for a season in Super League was that the whole of London Broncos activities could be at the same base. Then along came the "monkey lover" who convinced David Hughes to go to the current set up which at one stage included The Richmond Athletic Ground as well.

The deal with AFC Wimbledon was always loaded in the Dons favour, Playing for the floodlights on promotion to Super League, David Hughes allegedly providing a loan to AFC Wimbledon. Stewarding costs at Plough Lane, and I suspect a matchday revenue arrangement tht favours the Dons.

As Wimbledon admit London Broncos is "a significant revenue " for them. This move could represent a new investor / consortium, having had a look at the books, aiming to get a better deal for London Broncos in respect of costs, increased revenue for the Broncos and the flexibility to leave Plough Lane for a better / more suitable venue, if the opportunity arises which is something I would certainly be looking to do if buying the club.

This could be a sign that new ownership and funds could be arriving in the near future, provided the right deals are struck to enable the club to become more of a going concern. Positive news off the field to go with a positive start on it this season.

[Archie Gordon]

1 hour ago, THE RED ROOSTER said:

The break clause activation is a very interesting developoment. As would be moving to a one year rolling deal, for this is where the IMG criteria bites because the whole rationale behind Plough Lane is that the stadium is required to regain Super League status, something Mike Eccles seems to confirm.. 

Problem is though the Broncos are playing at FOUR different grounds this season, Plough Lane, Ebbesfleet FC, Rosslyn Park RFC and New River Stadium with training and the womens team at Rosslyn Park. That is an unsustainable economic model as I have posted before..

Remember that the unique selling point for Ealing Trailfinders RFC where the club did play for a season in Super League was that the whole of London Broncos activities could be at the same base. Then along came the "monkey lover" who convinced David Hughes to go to the current set up which at one stage included The Richmond Athletic Ground as well.

The deal with AFC Wimbledon was always loaded in the Dons favour, Playing for the floodlights on promotion to Super League, David Hughes allegedly providing a loan to AFC Wimbledon. Stewarding costs at Plough Lane, and I suspect a matchday revenue arrangement tht favours the Dons.

As Wimbledon admit London Broncos is "a significant revenue " for them. This move could represent a new investor / consortium, having had a look at the books, aiming to get a better deal for London Broncos in respect of costs, increased revenue for the Broncos and the flexibility to leave Plough Lane for a better / more suitable venue, if the opportunity arises which is something I would certainly be looking to do if buying the club.

This could be a sign that new ownership and funds could be arriving in the near future, provided the right deals are struck to enable the club to become more of a going concern. Positive news off the field to go with a positive start on it this season.

I agree that this has the sniff of an investor in the background, which would be fantastic.

On the playing-at-several-grounds point, I'm sure it is working out cheaper to play Cup games away from Wimbledon. Indeed, I don't actually mind the model of holding games around London so long as the club makes them into events tailored to the local(ish) community. 

[Worzel]

2 hours ago, THE RED ROOSTER said:

The break clause activation is a very interesting developoment. As would be moving to a one year rolling deal, for this is where the IMG criteria bites because the whole rationale behind Plough Lane is that the stadium is required to regain Super League status, something Mike Eccles seems to confirm.. 

Problem is though the Broncos are playing at FOUR different grounds this season, Plough Lane, Ebbesfleet FC, Rosslyn Park RFC and New River Stadium with training and the womens team at Rosslyn Park. That is an unsustainable economic model as I have posted before..

Remember that the unique selling point for Ealing Trailfinders RFC where the club did play for a season in Super League was that the whole of London Broncos activities could be at the same base. Then along came the "monkey lover" who convinced David Hughes to go to the current set up which at one stage included The Richmond Athletic Ground as well.

The deal with AFC Wimbledon was always loaded in the Dons favour, Playing for the floodlights on promotion to Super League, David Hughes allegedly providing a loan to AFC Wimbledon. Stewarding costs at Plough Lane, and I suspect a matchday revenue arrangement tht favours the Dons.

As Wimbledon admit London Broncos is "a significant revenue " for them. This move could represent a new investor / consortium, having had a look at the books, aiming to get a better deal for London Broncos in respect of costs, increased revenue for the Broncos and the flexibility to leave Plough Lane for a better / more suitable venue, if the opportunity arises which is something I would certainly be looking to do if buying the club.

This could be a sign that new ownership and funds could be arriving in the near future, provided the right deals are struck to enable the club to become more of a going concern. Positive news off the field to go with a positive start on it this season.

Given the current status, and the fact they can exercise the break clause but still play at Plough Lane, then to be honest it would have been negligent not to do so. The lease would have been a liability, so yes this is preciselty what a new investor would ask a club in this position to do before completing an investment. 

Just a sensible move. Let's be honest they should have stayed in Ealing, Broncos have been a West London club for the vast majority of their history and it was idiocy to relocate the club so far away again. But I guess that ship has sailed.  

 

[Quinskolar]

On the other hand with the Wombles eyeing automatic promotion they may not need the nuisance of RL at Plough Lane. The damage to the pitch may be an issue. To be sure it will be a downgrade moving from a great ground as decent stadiums ain't cheap in London. The London RL merry-go-round spins again. New River is yet another 'new' ground for the Broncos, anyone make a stab at how many 'home grounds' they have had now?

[Father Gascoigne]

46 minutes ago, Quinskolar said:

On the other hand with the Wombles eyeing automatic promotion they may not need the nuisance of RL at Plough Lane. The damage to the pitch may be an issue. To be sure it will be a downgrade moving from a great ground as decent stadiums ain't cheap in London. The London RL merry-go-round spins again. New River is yet another 'new' ground for the Broncos, anyone make a stab at how many 'home grounds' they have had now?

Sports clubs always prefer extra revenue streams. Every sports team is looking to make their ground in use year-round. 

[Deadcowboys1]

3 hours ago, Quinskolar said:

On the other hand with the Wombles eyeing automatic promotion they may not need the nuisance of RL at Plough Lane. The damage to the pitch may be an issue. To be sure it will be a downgrade moving from a great ground as decent stadiums ain't cheap in London. The London RL merry-go-round spins again. New River is yet another 'new' ground for the Broncos, anyone make a stab at how many 'home grounds' they have had now?

I can think of 23 grounds we've played at least 1 competitive home game at, 24 with New River at the weekend & 25 if you want to include the preseason challenge at the HAC. There may of course be more.

Edited February 26 by Deadcowboys1

[Henson Park Old Firm]

1 hour ago, Deadcowboys1 said:

I can think of 23 grounds we've played at least 1 competitive home game at, 24 with New River at the weekend & 25 if you want to include the preseason challenge at the HAC. There may of course be more.

23 grounds? Wow

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

On 14/02/2025 at 20:30, Pen-Y-Bont Crusader said:

Not Broncos related but today a group of year ten lads came to me and asked me to start coaching them in rugby (sic) after some had seen Wigan and Leigh game last night. We start a week on Wednesday after half term holiday.

14 turned up tonight and loved it so much they asked for another session on Friday after school. Not only some great athletes but some real quick learners about the game strategy and tactics in the modified game we finished with.

[Archie Gordon]

15 minutes ago, Pen-Y-Bont Crusader said:

14 turned up tonight and loved it so much they asked for another session on Friday after school. Not only some great athletes but some real quick learners about the game strategy and tactics in the modified game we finished with.

Are you in contact with local clubs too? 

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

16 minutes ago, Archie Gordon said:

Are you in contact with local clubs too? 

That will be next step. For some of the lads there tonight there’s issues with gangs and leaving the local area but hoping to get some to Brixton Bulls further down the line. 

[Damien]

7 hours ago, Father Gascoigne said:

Sports clubs always prefer extra revenue streams. Every sports team is looking to make their ground in use year-round. 

Not if its seen as detrimental they don't.

[Archie Gordon]

52 minutes ago, Pen-Y-Bont Crusader said:

That will be next step. For some of the lads there tonight there’s issues with gangs and leaving the local area but hoping to get some to Brixton Bulls further down the line. 

Fantastic club. Great mix of good people.

[Gomersall]

 

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

Some different lads tonight as others had boxing and other things to go to, but they are loving it and getting better with each session. From personal pov I’m really enjoying the sessions too. Just wish I was younger and less arthritic ! 

[Gavin M]

Pent. As a long time lurker on the forum and follower of rugby league I just want to say thank you for your efforts.  Speaking for myself being Scottish, I get disillusioned with the sport all the time ( don't talk to me about the Scotland national team ) but I really appreciate what you do.

[Gomersall]

On 26/02/2025 at 17:26, Pen-Y-Bont Crusader said:

That will be next step. For some of the lads there tonight there’s issues with gangs and leaving the local area but hoping to get some to Brixton Bulls further down the line. 

 

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

On 26/02/2025 at 21:21, Gomersall said:

 

Fantastic first half performance then poor second half. Not sure on attendance - heard someone mention 500 but couldn’t say. Good to see some old friends and lament the name change of the Lord Nelson on the way to and from Wood Green tube. 

[Henson Park Old Firm]

Any news? 

[burnleywelsh]

3 hours ago, Henson Park Old Firm said:

Any news? 

Doesn’t look like it…..

[Gav Wilson]

On 22/01/2025 at 12:27, Gav Wilson said:

I heard the name Matt Adamson (former Leeds back rower) mentioned, but I've no idea what consortium he's part of (if any). Would make sense of Hetherington's involvement though.

I heard right then!

[The Future is League]

16 minutes ago, Gav Wilson said:

I heard right then!

Time will tell.