Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers provided a well presented and authored application, detailing realistic, intelligent and achievable strategies for future commercial and supporter growth. However the strategies and targets are to a degree based upon the move to a new facility in 2013. At present Castleford are a well-run, sustainable club that lives within its means and produces above average numbers of Super League quality players. Whilst hamstrung by an inadequate facility, and the restrictions on commercial revenues and supporter base this causes, the club makes a good contribution to the Super League. Significant growth of the business is reliant upon the club moving to the proposed new stadium to enable further investment in management, first team squad and player production. The significant challenge for the club in the next Licence period will be to move to the proposed new facility. Grade C.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ application confirmed that new ownership has injected enthusiasm, capital and business acumen into the club. The business plan provided achievable targets for growing the business, and a realistic strategy to reach these targets. Wakefield’s performance on the field and player supply across the current Licence period has been acceptable and their community programme is excellent. However commercial, financial and governance performance in this Licence period has been poor, with the club entering administration in February of 2011. The club continues to face a number of challenges. The stadium position is uncertain, and the significant challenge for the club will be to deliver the commercial and supporter growth required to allow the club to trade in a sustainable manner whilst improving competitiveness on the pitch. Grade C.
Certain Wakey posters do actually believe that they came out above Cas.