Karl Harrison

[deluded pom?]

In theory this is the last season where a team will be relegated (presuming the 12 in place in 2008 all qualify for 2009 franchises). As usual it will be a bit rough at the end for the team that goes down, unless they're a long way behind by that stage.

I'm pretty confident Cas isn't broken, so I dodn't expect this year's relegee (?) to be either. If they have their affairs in order (stadium, finances, development etc), and spend on holding players for the first half of next season, then I wouldn't be surprised to see them among the 2009 franchises when they are announced mid-next year.

Maybe I'm a year out but whoever goes down and misses out on a franchise will have to wait at least three years to get back. Three years of meagre crowds and income. For some e.g. Oldham and Workington there may be no way back for years. Years of living from hand to mouth and fights with your creditors. Only the diehard supporters will stick with them knowing the future is on hold. Even if they bounce straight back the following season there's nowhere for them to go. Can a relegated team, knowing they can't go anywhere, afford to run with a full time pro set up? A part time setup on the field will mean something similar off it. A slippery slope is all that lies ahead in my opinion.

 

[bartman]

I guess I'm saying that I don't think the team going down will necessarily miss out... ie I'm guessing that 13 of the 14 2009 spots will be super league-ish clubs? Current 12 + Cas + one expansion for example, I think the RFL may find it too hard making that cut to someone for 2009.

Otherwise I take your point. The league needs to be clear about what it's going to do for National Leagues, to give those teams who don't make it and are/want to remain fulltime some way to see their way through the three years with a hope of still aspiring

 

[jed]

from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/li...tml?in_article_id=458212&in_page_id=1952&ct=5

McRae to have talks with Reds over coach's job
Last updated at 14:35pm on 28th May 2007

Former Hull and St Helens boss Shaun McRae is to have talks with coachless Salford tomorrow.

McRae, out of top-level management since leaving South Sydney over the winter, has been made favourite to succeed the sacked Karl Harrison at the engage Super League's bottom club.

The Australian, who lost out to Tony Smith for the Great Britain post, has indicated his desire to return to work in this country.

By coincidence, McRae attended Salford's match with Huddersfield last Friday having travelled to Britain unaware of the vacancy.

McRae said: "When I arrived in England I didn't have any idea about what had happened. I'd been in Dubai for a few days and rugby league isn't very popular there.

"I was always going to go to the Salford game on Friday as a guest of [football director] Steve Simms, who is a very good friend.

"I know about all the conjecture and some people have the job stamped on for Shaun McRae.

"Salford have indicated they would like me to take the job but I will have discussions with them.

"Discussions will take place in the next 24 hours but whether there will be a decision in the next 24 hours I can't say.

"I have got to look at some personal situations and professional situations. Experience teaches me not to jump straight into it.

"I know where they are in the table and there are some issues at the club but they have a good vision for the future and a new stadium a few years down the line."

McRae coached throughout the first decade of Super League, winning the title with Saints before moving to Gateshead and Hull.

He left for South Sydney in 2005 but was moved upstairs after two disappointing seasons and eventually decided to quit the club.

"I feel refreshed and the batteries are recharged," McRae added.

Salford are four points adrift at the foot of the table having won just four of their 15 games.






No shocks there after Bomber was there for the Huddersfield game on the weekend.