Speaking last night with an employee of the Bradford club and a few senior figures connected with them at the SL Gf and was taken back a bit by the attitude somewhat.



Whist I'm right in saying we all expect Bradford to be strong and start the comp as favourites there was a real arrogance that came across with the Bradford employees stating that they felt only Leigh would give them a game in the Championship and they fully expect to be far too strong for us and everyone else and will return to SL at the first time of asking.



It was also stated that the Bradford club has turned the corner big time and is building a Dynasty again to return to the Elite level not just to make up numbers but to regain its place in the higher echelons of British RL. If true great for the game but highlights just how strong the level of competition we are stepping up against next term really will be.



One thing that did impress was the level of staff they had in attendance with people like Robbie Paul, Rob Parker and others in attendance entertaining sponsers.



Highlighted to me the sheer size of the operation they have and the resource they have in sales, advertising and marketing in comparison to a Championship club.



Still think our boys will smash them though

Well a strong Bradford is good for the game and they do have a far bigger potential fan base than we do.



I agree with your last sentance Andy.

Bradford are a great addition. It will be a fantastic and memorable season next year for sure

Andy, don't you think there has been an arrogance in some quarters around Leigh this season?

Honest answer mate, yes but I won't go any further than that.

100%



This middle eight scenario is very intresting and the threat of relegation adds to the intensity of the games in SL also.

Good answer.

Quote SRW1996="SRW1996"Speaking last night with an employee of the Bradford club and a few senior figures connected with them at the SL Gf and was taken back a bit by the attitude somewhat. Whist I'm right in saying we all expect Bradford to be strong and start the comp as favourites there was a real arrogance that came across with the Bradford employees stating that they felt only Leigh would give them a game in the Championship and they fully expect to be far too strong for us and everyone else and will return to SL at the first time of asking. It was also stated that the Bradford club has turned the corner big time and is building a Dynasty again to return to the Elite level not just to make up numbers but to regain its place in the higher echelons of British RL. If true great for the game but highlights just how strong the level of competition we are stepping up against next term really will be. One thing that did impress was the level of staff they had in attendance with people like Robbie Paul, Rob Parker and others in attendance entertaining sponsers. Highlighted to me the sheer size of the operation they have and the resource they have in sales, advertising and marketing in comparison to a Championship club. Still think our boys will smash them though '" Bradford are where they are by being a very badly run club, we have competitors who have hundreds of salespeople and turn over may times what we do - they just forget one simple principle PROFIT. It is easy to wave goodbye to debt via administration, how many times did they pull that card in recent years, and by doing so become financially stronger by not paying your creditors see www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/114 ... s/?ref=mre for a detailed report To maintain such a huge fixed cost base outside the team is another huge gamble by them, multiplying if they do not win promotion and hence the pressure on them will be massive. Personally I would want a strong Bradford within our sport, not many clubs can draw 20k+ gates and average 15k as they have done in the past decade Roll on next season

Quote SRW1996="SRW1996"Speaking last night with an employee of the Bradford club and a few senior figures connected with them at the SL Gf and was taken back a bit by the attitude somewhat. Whist I'm right in saying we all expect Bradford to be strong and start the comp as favourites there was a real arrogance that came across with the Bradford employees stating that they felt only Leigh would give them a game in the Championship and they fully expect to be far too strong for us and everyone else and will return to SL at the first time of asking. It was also stated that the Bradford club has turned the corner big time and is building a Dynasty again to return to the Elite level not just to make up numbers but to regain its place in the higher echelons of British RL. If true great for the game but highlights just how strong the level of competition we are stepping up against next term really will be. One thing that did impress was the level of staff they had in attendance with people like Robbie Paul, Rob Parker and others in attendance entertaining sponsers. Highlighted to me the sheer size of the operation they have and the resource they have in sales, advertising and marketing in comparison to a Championship club. Still think our boys will smash them though '" Bradford are where they are by being a very badly run club, we have competitors who have hundreds of salespeople and turn over may times what we do - they just forget one simple principle PROFIT. It is easy to wave goodbye to debt via administration, how many times did they pull that card in recent years, and by doing so become financially stronger by not paying your creditors see www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/114 ... s/?ref=mre for a detailed report To maintain such a huge fixed cost base outside the team is another huge gamble by them, multiplying if they do not win promotion and hence the pressure on them will be massive. Personally I would want a strong Bradford within our sport, not many clubs can draw 20k+ gates and average 15k as they have done in the past decade Roll on next season

Bradford will be strong next season BUT......looking at their squad I aint as confident for them as they seem to be as we will easily match them IMO.

London will be the dark horses with all the NRL players they seem to be signing - write them off at your peril.

Sorry my Leigh friends but I think the only team that will challenge Bradford for top spot is London. I expect Leigh to be very comfortable in 3rd and possibly to build on that the following season if as expected the money levels out a little bit for the top 2 or we see an increase in funding where by the top of the championship salary cap is brought somewhere near the SL one.

Not like you to jump the gun Greg.



Leigh's squad is not complete yet but you will know on December 1.

Similarly with Leeds Andy. (not that I'm saying they have ever been a badly-run club)



When I was trying to source programme material for the cup tie with them at LSV, I was staggered to see how many staff worked for them, (over 70) and they actually had more coaching staff than we had players too! (around 20-25 coaching staff)