Premiership II plans announced

TAS63 wrote:

So which teams meet / can meet the 5,000 attendance number at their current location?

Coventry, Doncaster and Bedford definitely.

Ealing - I thought I had heard mention had a plan but I am not 100%

Ampthill, Cambridge, Scottish and Nottingham - No

I haven't been to either Caldy or Hartpury, but guess they are both a No as well?

Same goes for Chinnor?

Immediate assistance (if that's the right word!) then for 4 teams maximum.

My guess is also with the "2 years at 5,000 before needing 7,500 in Year 3" is that you really only need a "plan on paper" to illustrate a concept to the auditors to pass the first hurdle. It is likely (certain?) with the financial differences that whoever goes up first is going to "bounce" between the leagues for a bit - as Worcester did historically and most teams do in Football as well.

All of which means I can't see anyone really needing to achieve more than 5,000 capacity for a long time. And if a team does manage to survive and prosper in the Premiership it would be really interesting to hear the case that is presented to throw them out on capacity grounds if they have achieved a couple of years of mid table on the playing field.

Monday Evening was on break in my car when this was on local radio.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0j00td5?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

About 20 minutes in.

Interview with Bedford Tigers Rugby League.

They are hoping to apply to join Rugby League, League One. (Third tier, professional game).

Initially for capacity Bedford Blues Goldington Road is being pursued.

So if as is rumoured.

Blues Men. 13 League games and (cup games?)

Tigers Men 11 League games, plus cup

So including friendlies circa 30 matches.one a week.

Is that enough to inspire a push for better facilities? Include Blues (and Tigers) Women using Bedford Athletics all weather pitch, but occasional Blues Women at Goldington Road.

Rob Ashton acknowledges Bedford is a rugby town. Blues are in a relatively unique situation, the best followed sports club in the town. Walking distance to the town centre and drinking stops.

The Elephant in the room.

Bedford football scene is in an interesting phase. As I mentioned lots of press about Real Bedford a non league club. The Men were promoted to the 8th tier of English Football, the Women to tier 4 (it is interesting next year three names stood out, Cambridge United a derby of sorts, Norwich and QPR women’s clubs associated with well known football names.)

However Real recognise they need a better venue especially if they even play Men’s tier 5. Listening to the a radio interview, with Tigers (RL) and Real (football) both having partnerships with local Netball clubs. Listening between the lines, if Tigers bring professional Rugby League to Bedford and Goldington Road, not sure what would stop them in say 5 years joining Real Bedford in a shiny new home.

So for Blues, maybe it is not so much looking for promotion. But knowing the next level is 7,500 (10,000 after 4 years, if survived that long), should be a target, hopefully achieve able at Goldington Road. To,at least stay at the top of the local sports scene, and maintain Bedford as a ‘rugby’ town.

Sorry if I digressed. But if you are outside Bedford a lot of the above would pass you by.

Now if only Universal theme park confirms it is happening in July, will Blues want to play at Universal Studios Stadium Bedford?