Right I have watched this thread long enough and think I should put my 10p in.
I think that the RFL had no real choice but to talk tough about grounds being an integral part of the next round of licence applications and that is what they are doing. To be fair I think that Wakefield, Cas and Salford fans get that and understand the long term importance of improving ground standards for a modern game... as do all other SL clubs to be fair. I think the fans that I have met from Wakefield, Cas & Salford understand that if they don't get substantially under way to deliver new grounds before the end of the 2012 season then they are very likely to not get a licence and given the modern facilities at Widnes, Halifax then they have very little in the way of credible argument.
Now, what is interesting about this whole process is that I think that the RFL don't want any of the three clubs to fail if possible, but I think they just think one of them probably will! If they do then it is a no-brainer for the RFL and the club that fails is going to be out. However, what happens if all three get under way in time, sign contracts, start on site with developments and satisfy Savills that the ground will be finished and they have the money!!! This is where it's gets tricky and where it could get messy!
You, your developer, your local council etc have all done their bit and the ground is going to be finished and opened during the 2012 season, you have based your business plan and forward financial predictions on retaining Super League status and investments (large ones!) have been made on the basis of that plan. Do you really think the RFL has got the balls to pull the plug on developments and sums of money far in excess of it's own turnover and that the money men/organisations involved are going to just say, oh well, that is fine, it is just one of those things! Rubbish! They let all three in and either let Widnes down or they up the comp by one team. If they don't the gloves are off and legal action will be swift to follow as they will have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The things is though, will all three pull it off? They all look to be doing OK but the next few months will tell for sure! The RFL will sit it out till the last minute in March if they have to, but if they all pull it off, they will all stay and Widnes either come up into a 15 team comp or get let down... again!
