Championship Expansion

[deluded pom?]

What are the chances of Coventry being ready to step up bowes? As I've seen you post before, I hope they don't put their hand up just to spare the RFL's blushes and enter a league they aren't ready for.

 

[bowes]

In terms of ground and junior development definitely ready. In terms of finances and playing standard I don't know. Depends how much the RFL are prepared to pay I guess, just feels late notice for me. I haven't seen the finances though so can't really give a definite answer. I would have preferred either earlier notice or an extra year.

 

[biggestbroncosfan]

Chester long ago withdrew their bid and there never were Medway or Bristol bids. If Coventry feel ready to step up I expect they're in and I think they're trying they're probably trying to patch the collapsed Oxford bid together.

who will the last spot to go to then? what are the other 16 clubs that have mid bids?

 

[bowes]

who will the last spot to go to then? what are the other 16 clubs that have mid bids?

If it's viable (or possibly even if it isn't as the RFL are desperate to save face) Coventry and Oxford wil surely get the last 2 spots, if not then who knows as Warrington Wizards/Chester withdrew their bid and Medway and Bristol never applied. There are no other bids, not only were there not 16 bids, there weren't the 7 shortlisted bids it's all spin. 16 teams attended a meeting to say they might like to go pro some time in the (maybe distant) future.

 

[bowes]

Oxford are the 3rd new club. If there's a 4th new club it will be Coventry Bears. They'll announce their decision shortly I believe on whether the Bears are accepted.

 

[deluded pom?]

I've asked this before bowes but are the Bears ready to step up at this moment in time?

 

[bowes]

I think we could compete with Gateshead, Scorpions and the other new teams but not Oldham, Rochdale, Skolars and Crusaders. I wasn't sure if we could afford it but think if we are careful with the spending it would be financially viable albeit IMO not initially at full cap (the cap should really be lowered to reflect the changing make up of the league, not sure many clubs could afford £200,000). I don't think the RFL would have considered our bid if Rebels were still going but that was purely geographical rather than to do with the quality of our bid.

I expect we'll get in but that means nothing in terms of readiness.

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Best of luck to everyone, I hope they all thrive.

 

[bowes]

Coventry Bears bid deferred until 2014 if ready so Championship 1 will have 9 teams.

 

[Evil Homer]

The right decision IMO, just a shame that they messed up the divisional structure leaving a big imbalance in team numbers.

 

[deluded pom?]

I think I would have preferred for Oxford to also be pencilled in for 2014 and given the extra year's preparation. Best of luck to all of them as and when though.