Where, as I understand it, they advised us that they didn't want us to play.



I'd agree - with hindsight, it looks like AG and his team have quietly and carefully lined up all their ducks in a row, such that the RFL would be increasingly hard pressed to do deny the franchise.

And then they ask to see the finalised contract for you playing their from 2012 - X date?

I think we do have a contract for 5 years to play there

Not having a pop by the way as clearly a lot of good work going on at Wakey but RFL will be (as it stands) dropping someone so you have to see it through there (expansion tinted) eyes!



In fairness too Wakey have floated multiple plans over last decade that haven't come to fruition so you can understand them wanting to see solid (concrete even) evidence to clear you on the ground front!

They did, (or at least that is what we think), but if they are not going to accept the proposed BV, they cannot deny us using a fully operational Oakwell.

Its a shame its not in Wakefield, but then again Wrexham isnt in South Wales (remember the hot bed of welsh RL) is it, so yet another precedent set and yet another nail in the RFL coffin if they are going to kick us out.

I honestly think we have out smarted the RFL, not difficult i know, but they are going to have to make themselves look pretty incredulous in so many ways if they do kick us out.

Im sure thats not how it will come accross from the RFL, it will be" WT have worked so hard to improve off the field..........." but in layman's terms, we've stitched em up.

It is for this reason that the RFL have employed Savilles - to check the validity of stadium proposals. If Savilles do their homework correctly then they will know exactly where Wakefield are with ground proposals - both at BV and at NM - and will avoid any repeat of the embarrasment caused by Wakefield, Salford and Cas following the award of the last round of licences.



I'm not at all worried!

This franchise nonsnse means someone has to go to accomodate expansion, plus lets not forget Halifax's claim. Whatever happens a grave injustice will be done to us and/ or Fax to accomodate the Sky/ RFL aganda

Just going back a bit. When the RFL "warned" certain clubs about stadia etc, did they not say that plans for a ground would not be good enough and that new grounds/ improved grounds would have to be in advanmced state and not on a wish list.

Although the RFL said they didnt want us to play at Oakwell, st least this is very much complete.

By the way, why dont they want us to play there ?

For the record I'm more that happy that we play at BV, but would sacrifice that for playing in SL.

Wasn't the exactly what the warning was? A sort of 'fed up of plans let's see some action!'?

You're not quite getting this though are you? We have submitted a ready built, already SL standard stadium as an option in our application. We would prefer to stay at Belle Vue and the RFL clearly would prefer us to but they can't (maybe that should say shouldn't) kick us out for not having done anything at Belle Vue when we have proposed another option that meets the criteria.



Cas's plans however are a different story (unless they also submitted an option to play elsewhere!!)

It really is laughable. They're like a petulant child. "Come on, come on, where is it, where is it...". It's pathetic. What good does a "You better have that stadium built or else..." letter do? Yes, granted, what we have now probably isn't what we proposed to the RFL at being awarded a license last time around, but who could have foreseen what would have happened between then and now.



If you weren't already aware, I'll bring you up to speed:



[uPlan A - New stadium Build[/u

1. identified a site to build on

2. obtained funding to do so

3. applied for and received outline planning for a stadium build

4. applied for full planning

5. full planning application called in by central government



Present state: out of our hands, with government, awaiting public enquiry



[uPlan B - Temporary Relocation to Alternative Stadium[/u

1. Looked for alternative stadium to play out of that meets RFL requirements until Plan A is completed

2. Agreed lease with Barnsley FC to play out of Oakwell



Present state: RFL don't want Wakefield to play at Oakwell although it remains an available and viable option



[uPlan C - Current Ground Redevelopment[/u

1. Identify RFL stadium requirements

2. Communicate with RFL to propose redevelopment of Belle Vue

3. Acquire funding

4. research previous planning approval on site

5. Obtain initial council approval

6. Propose build commences August 2011



Present state: Awaiting Licensing decision



What more could we possibly have done to meet their demands?

Excellent post.