Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:14 pm  

My understanding was that SL would be comprised of teams ranked 'A' with places made up with highest ranked 'B' teams. Even allowing for any improved score next year e.g. due to higher average gate we won't be anywhere near ranked high enough. A score of around 8 is exactly what I expected for us as we really stuggle in several categories. However, I'm surprised so many teams scored higher.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:18 pm  

If that's the case then yup unlikely we have a slot.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:23 pm  

These were my predicted scorings from when the criteria were published. Hopefully the actual breakdown will be released.

Pillar Criteria Level Points
Fandom Attendance <1500 0.75
Fandom Digital 0.75
Fandom Viewership <150K 0.75
Performance Season Ranking 20th 1.90
Performance Bonus 0
Finance Non central turnover 0
Finance Non central turnover % >35% 0.15
Finance Adjusted profit 0
Finance Owner Investment >£500K 0.50
Finance Balance Sheet Strength >£100K 0.50
Stadium Facilities Score 1.50
Stadium Utilisation 0.15
Stadium Primacy of Tenure 0
Stadium LEDS 0.125
Stadium Big Screen 0.125
Community Catchment 200K 1.00
Community Foundation 0
Total 8.20

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:41 pm  

Bit of a nothing statement from Hughes just released. Acknowledges the need to improve off-field standards and that's about it.
Appreciate the club has a lot to work through currently and there's a need for patience, but his statement in the immediate aftermath of the Toulouse didn't inspire me with much confidence i.e. "I hope more people turn up next season".
Hopefully there is a plan and it does sound like IMG have been engaging with the club on the path forward which is a plus.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:44 pm  

Knocker_White wrote:

Bit of a nothing statement from Hughes just released. Acknowledges the need to improve off-field standards and that's about it.
Appreciate the club has a lot to work through currently and there's a need for patience, but his statement in the immediate aftermath of the Toulouse didn't inspire me with much confidence i.e. "I hope more people turn up next season".
Hopefully there is a plan and it does sound like IMG have been engaging with the club on the path forward which is a plus.

Think it’s more about tone Knocker. Some have acted like big babies, he has taken it on the chin. Now we need to have a good old think about how to run and market an RL team in London. In no ways easy but my feeling is we could a lot better. And of course pay for an LED screen, why that’s almost as good as winning the Challenge Cup.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:52 pm  

BigTime wrote:

Some have acted like big babies, he has taken it on the chin.

I suppose we can see the positive of DH not being in denial but his failure to address the dwindling crowds since he took sole control from Lenegan is the issue.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 3:24 pm  

BigTime wrote:

Think it’s more about tone Knocker. Some have acted like big babies, he has taken it on the chin. Now we need to have a good old think about how to run and market an RL team in London. In no ways easy but my feeling is we could a lot better. And of course pay for an LED screen, why that’s almost as good as winning the Challenge Cup.

Yeah that's fair

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 3:35 pm  

Knocker_White wrote:

Yeah that's fair

On the plus side whilst when it comes to RL players London may not be be a hive of activity or a centre of expertise when it comes to off field stuff like business strategy and comms. And marketing etc it’s very difficult to see a host of places with more experts. All we need to do now is access that talent ... and obviously a big screen fitter.

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 4:09 pm  

Just don't let sky tale it down next year, assuming they put one up at our home games

Re: IMG gradings : Wed Oct 25, 2023 6:06 pm  

It's really hard to say that I wasn't screaming warning about this nearly 15 years ago but sadly I was right and sadly, I was referred to as one of a few old blokes ranting on the internet by Hughes and co at the start of last season.
I sincerely hope Hughes takes next year's funding and banks it for use over the years 2026/7/8 as a marketing budget. The club are already relegated in 2025 so better to regroup and properly relaunch in 2026 in the 2nd tier and most likely at Ebbsfleet. Being at Wimbledon has delivered no benefit at all...none....nada.....nil.
As a fan of the team I'm gutted.....as for the club? It's hard not to chuckle given the miles of posts on here, elsewhere, email, meetings etc when I predicted this