MIKE Ford has confirmed for Oldham fans that the big decision on the structure of Championship and League One rugby next season will be made by the Rugby Football League and NOT by a vote of clubs, as is widely believed.
He said clubs met the RFL last week to discuss all options following the withdrawal of London Skolars and Newcastle Thunder and they will meet again in Manchester this Wednesday, October 25, to talk about all the latest developments, such as a possible reprieve for Thunder.
He added:
“That will be the last of the talks. The RFL will know exactly what each club thinks and, as the sport’s governing body, they will go away and make the big decision by November 1. Our stance hasn’t changed from day one. It would be a disaster for the game as a whole if Newcastle, or any other club, was allowed to slip away quietly. We all have similar problems and we’ve got to do what’s best for the future of the sport.
“It’s important for everyone to know that, despite lots of suggestions that Championship clubs don’t want a merger with League One, nothing has been decided yet and when it is – soon – it will be the RFL’s decision,”
writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
This week’s issue of League Express carries a statement signed off by nine League One clubs, including Oldham and, perhaps significantly, Newcastle Thunder. It read:
“We are focused on driving an outcome which ultimately puts all member clubs outside Super League on a level playing field, specifically in terms of the IMG grading criteria and an outcome in the best interests of driving a longer-term growth curve for the whole sport.
“For and on behalf of the League One clubs listed here – Cornwall, Hunslet, Keighley, Midlands, Newcastle. North Wales, OLDHAM, Rochdale Hornets, Workington Town.”
IMG, meanwhile, are expected to reveal their initial grading scores this week for clubs in Super League, the Championship and League One. They will have no bearing on 2024 divisions, but they will give a guide as to what grades expect to be awarded next year and what improvements need to be made if they asre to earn better points.
YOU can spend an evening in the company of Mike Ford and Oldham Athletic’s Frank Rothwell at Royton Cricket Club on Thursday, November 16. Fuller details to follow.
