Championship Expansion

[bowes]

Last I heard Coventry Bears have received no indication either way.

 

[Evil Homer]

It would be ludicrous for them not to be included.

 

[bowes]

Yeah and there'd pretty much be no strong enough alternative league unless they could get one of the Conference League's extra 7 spots (the only expansion club likely to get one is Nottingham but depends who applies. Nottingham, Underbank and Kippax are pencilled in for 3 of the spots but it's rumoured Kippax are about to fold). The league formerly known as RLC National (now called Conference 3) will almost certainly close at the end of this coming season and we're a few years off any kind of Conference South being viable.

 

[langpark]

Dammit, I had a feeling the Bristol bid was dodgy. I'm actually really pissed off that they were given a WC match too when the likes of South Yorkshire and Gateshead didn't...

Splitting off into two rival bids is the worst possible scenario...

 

[bowes]

Hemel said if they don't have a ground they won't be in so they're waiting to announce them last. Can't see the RFL providing a grandstand for them.

 

[nadera78]

I think Hemel were in a bit of a tricky situation. Plans passed for a stand, etc at Penine Way but then the council started drawing up plans for a 6,000 capacity ground for the Stags and Hemel Hempstead FC to share. Not much sense for Hemel to find the cash for the facilities at their own ground if there is a possible alternative coming into place a couple of years from now.

 

[bowes]

Yeah just means Hemel can't play Championship 1 yet unless they get temporary seating?

The rumour is the next club is announced next Monday/Tuesday but no idea who.

 

[Evil Homer]

Yeah just means Hemel can't play Championship 1 yet unless they get temporary seating?

The rumour is the next club is announced next Monday/Tuesday but no idea who.

That explains why I heard the RFL were giving them temporary seating. Didn't know the council were planning to build a stadium. Good news if so.

 

[bowes]

The RFL are still bringing in another 3 expansion clubs but are carrying out 'due diligence checks' before announcing more names.

 

[bowes]

Hemel are in now. 2 more teams to be announced.

 

[deluded pom?]

Hemel are in now. 2 more teams to be announced.

Is that official bowes? Great news if it is. Hemel deserve it for all the hard work they've put in over the years. I hope they can make a good fist of it.

 

[langpark]

Is that official bowes? Great news if it is. Hemel deserve it for all the hard work they've put in over the years. I hope they can make a good fist of it.

can't find any news stories confirming it. But I haven't known bowes to be wrong about these things before.

Well done to them...

 

[bowes]

It will be announced in the morning but seen it leaked elsewhere by someone from a club near Hemel and heard it from another source.

 

[roughyedspud]

andy wilson has mentioned it on twitter

 

[langpark]

http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/24438/hemel-join-rugby-league-championship

 

[langpark]

Northampton and Hemel are recruiting for a coach:

http://www.therfl.co.uk/careers_at_the_rfl/club_vacancies


One interesting part of the description:

Advantageous: Experience of converting rugby union players into rugby league players.

Hemel has listed the pay as 25k, Northampton haven't specified.

 

[Evil Homer]

I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if the wage being offered by Hemel for that marketing post is more than London Broncos are paying.

 

[Teddyboy]

Northampton and Hemel are recruiting for a coach:

http://www.therfl.co.uk/careers_at_the_rfl/club_vacancies


One interesting part of the description:

Advantageous: Experience of converting rugby union players into rugby league players.

Hemel has listed the pay as 25k, Northampton haven't specified.

I wonder what the crowds be like for both teams.

 

[bowes]

Northampton I think are targetting reserve and volts players from Northampton Saints who are unlikely to make first team.

Coventry Bears have reasonably good crowd potential if we get in. Get 200-300 in the amateur league so could at least double that in C1.

 

[Teddyboy]

Northampton I think are targetting reserve and volts players from Northampton Saints who are unlikely to make first team.

Coventry Bears have reasonably good crowd potential if we get in. Get 200-300 in the amateur league so could at least double that in C1.

200-300 is good for an amateur team in a non heartland area.