I have to agree with Tigerade on this.

On a playing basis alone Fev are the most deserving of Championship sides to be promoted to Superleague, however as everyone is aware, that is not the sole criteria on which SL entry is assessed.

When Cas went down into NL1 (as it was called then) we got average home crowds over 5,000 - more than a few SL sides - took 1500 to 2000 supporters to every away game and won the Grandfinal comfortably on both occasions. We were so markedly 'bigger' than the other clubs in the division at the time that it was easy to see a case for Cas being promoted back into SL.

The main doubt I'd have over Fev in SL is how big their crowds could be. With the novelty of being in SL and the assistance of some big away support especially in the 2 derby games I'd expect an average around 4000 in the 1st season. But once the novelty wore off and in the long term it's hard to see them maintaining that level of support or increasing it. Ultimately that affects their ability to produce the income needed to compete effectively on the field.

1 club achieving attendances of sub-5000 is more than enough in SL.

Rovers averaged nearly 5k before we were booted out of the top flight for PSG, if we got in super league we would average more than that now over time. The point you make about what we would bring to super league is exactly what is wrong with the whole franchise farce. What does it matter, we deserve a shot and im pretty certain we would bring as much as most other teams. The game of rugby league is not big enough to be elitest

We got 2,300 the other night against Leigh who brought around 150 fans, so do you think we would only get 2,500 in super league? most super league clubs would bring that in away support, i would bet money we would average at least 6k and would bet much more we wouldnt have the lowest average

Dont forget the club has 17 acres of land and have big plans for its use that will bring the club regular income, the plans are not just to get to super league and make up the numbers but actually win the damd thing. if we were very competitive in super league we would get the crowds i have no doubt. All we want is the same opportunity as yourselves, win the championship and have a go,

You would probably get 6K for the two derby games plus Leeds Rhino's. I think an avarage of about 4K would be nearer for Fev. But still better than London Bronco's - but we all know they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

"All we want is the same opportunity as yourselves, win the championship and have a go" - Totally agree on that. You've deserved your chance.

Dont forget both Hull teams have great away followings. I think we could win the championship every year for 50 years and they wont promote us because the game is corrupt from top to bottom. They big up there respect and diversity programmes yet dont practise what they preach, they dont treat all there member clubs the same

Was that the sound of the penny dropping ?

The game was and will be corrupt as long as sky are paying for it, if they go so will the vultures like Richard Lewis and hopefully we will get someone who cares about the game in charge. Until then, keep ducking the bulls hit they are feeding us .

I fear the game had a distinct 'lean' long before Sky came along. All they did was up the stakes.

The penny dropped for me in 95

Heard Lee Crooks will be joining the Flat Cappers soon as General Manager.

Heard the same... although without the GM bit.

If you have read Crooksey's book he makes an interesting comment about Fev never getting into SL due to "not fitting into the RFL's grand scheme".

I wonder if he will be making a U-turn when he will inevitably be asked that question again ?