paulwalker71 wrote:
It's worrying that the talk seems to be moving more and more towards a return to Odsal.
One gets the feeling that, if 'a deal' can be done we are going to be back to Odsal in 2021 (at the latest).
Do we really want to go back to standing out on crumbling terraces with the rain pouring down on our heads? The ground issue is about much more than whether we can get BMDC to knock a few quid off the rates bill. The place isn't fit for purpose in this day and age.
I agree that it is worrying that people can be suggesting a move back to Odsal. Having spent too many wet seasons on the terraces "enjoying" summer rugby, it will be good to watch the boys in relative comfort under a roof, especially in Jan, Feb, Mar, and April. The rent / rates at Odsal, will surely never be reduced to a level whereby a championship side can afford to play from there. And even if they were, do we really think it would be acceptable to continue to put up with the old place which is now becoming an embarrassment.
My view is that, having now left Odsal, a return there would be a retrograde step. We need a fresh start, including playing out of a new stadium. Unfortunately, I cannot see us ever being able to afford a new stadium, so the only alternative to the pile that is Odsal appears to be a permanent ground share. That won't be to everyone's liking, but at least we'll still have a team to support. Unfortunately, the problem reverts back to the question - who would we share with on a permanent basis? Difficult
