Good or bad: What clubs have said following the IMG vote

Clubs have been speaking out about the IMG vote, which was passed on Wednesday with a sizeable majority of 86%.

Most had kept a quiet counsel in the build-up to the vote, with the most vociferous being those in opposition of IMG’s now approved-plans to introduce a grading system to determine the make-up of Super League.

Here, we have a run through of what clubs have said following the vote.

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Barrow

Championship side Barrow were one of the clubs to vote against the proposals, and their chairman Steve Neale issued a fair, constructive and considered response outlining their reasons.

The statement said: “In terms of the goals of IMG and the RFL we are very much in favour. It is common sense that we want the best clubs in Super League that are able to generate the most revenue. The best clubs inevitably will have the best crowds, have a large digital footprint, are able to attract more TV subscribers, are financially viable and have strong links to the community.

“We are supportive of IMG and the RFL and their ambition to create a system that those clubs play at the top level.

“However, we do not believe that the grading structure should be the mechanism to achieve that. We are strong believers in minimum standards being applied as the vehicle to ensure that the best clubs compete at the top. Once minimum  standards have been achieved then success on the field should be the criteria for deciding promotion and relegation. We believe the whole essence of sport will be eroded with promotion by spreadsheet and there is a risk that we will turn off our key stakeholders, the fans.

“Barrow Raiders were disappointed, despite repeated requests, that we were denied access to the detail of the proposals. We wanted to be re-assured that a club such as Leigh, who have been a breath of fresh air for Super League this season, would not have been denied promotion under the scoring system.

“We are under no illusion that Barrow Raiders would not be a grade A club despite our growing crowds, fantastic work in the community and our commitment to the Women’s game but we were promised transparency at the start of the process. We were told that we would be able to attract investors because we would know exactly what we needed to improve to become an A-grade club.

“Unfortunately with the lack of detail in the proposal that transparency has yet to emerge. We had hoped we would have sight of the detail before the vote.”

MORE: Cumbrian club reveal reasons for voting against IMG proposals

Castleford

Reports prior to the vote that Castleford were going to vote against the plans proved incorrect, as the club confirmed in a statement on their official club website.

Castleford managing director, Mark Grattan, said: “We have always been generally supportive of the proposals. Our only concern was around the catchment area element of the proposal as it is not a true reflection of the size and geographical makeup of our fan base. Every other measure apart from catchment area is within our gift to improve and achieve the standards required.

“We are excited for the future of our game and look forward to working alongside IMG in the future.”

Catalans

Catalans, like French counterparts Toulouse, were not afforded a vote as they are not Rugby League Council members. However it was revealed that they had played an active part in discussions.

Sporting director Neil McIlroy told L’Independant: “We did not take part in this vote, but with Cédric Garcia from Toulouse, we gave our opinion to the leaders and we followed this meeting by video conference.”

Featherstone

One of the other clubs to vote against, Featherstone, outlined their reason in doing so – and said they were otherwise supportive of IMG’s plans.

Their statement read: “Whilst the board is largely in agreement with the measures presented by IMG and the RFL, there remained a question about the ability for Category B teams to be promoted into Super League from the Championship when there are category B Clubs remaining in Super League. We firmly believe that further dialogue needs to take place on this fundamental issue. We were clearly told during the consultation period that a Category B club would always replace another Category B should a promotion/relegation situation arise, this position has changed in further variations of the proposals.

“Other than this specific detail, the board feels that IMG present the best hope for the sport’s future, and the leadership that the sport so desperately needs.”

Halifax

Halifax acknowledged that not everybody will be supportive of their stance in their statement.

It read: “The Board feel we are already embracing the change that is needed within the sport, and were happy to support. We all feel that the game is in need of change in order not just to survive but flourish, going forward.”

“We appreciate this will not be everybody’s stance, however we feel on balance, this is the correct decision for the benefit of the Club. Indeed, everybody is entitled to their opinion and we as a Board totally respect that. Ultimately, the game has to change to stop the current decline and attract new audiences and revenue to survive and grow. With the new criteria, there is an opportunity for us all to have a part to play in building the Club both on and off the field.”

Leeds

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington commented prior to the IMG vote, expressing his club’s support.

Hetherington said: “Leeds Rhinos are very supportive of the process put in place by the clubs and the RFL which will see a series of recommendations to elevate the games popularity in future years.

“From the original proposals, the RFL have listened to concerns and certainly addressed the issues around community engagement and player development, which was absent from the initial discussion document.”

Rochdale

Rochdale chairman Andy Mazey took to Twitter following the vote. He said: “Interesting Special General Meeting over in Huddersfield. IMG grading system voted through by a comprehensive majority and it’s now time for Rochdale Hornets and the whole game to embrace and kick on.”

He later issued a statement via the club’s website: “The top and bottom of it is the game has to change in order to halt its decline, and it needs to attract increased broadcast and commercial revenues to not only survive, but hopefully thrive.

“There is opportunity for all clubs to progress under their own steam and in respect of our own club, we now have to be absolutely clear that if Rochdale wants to be relevant again within this sport we absolutely have to embrace these changes and the town needs to get behind its professional rugby league club.

“The reality is we are a forward thinking club and have been making changes over the past couple of years despite the many challenges we have faced.

“We recognise the need to correct a decline that dates back decades in terms of our lack of fan base, and this year’s player spend probably reflects the current number of people turning up on match days.

“In summary, this new criteria gives us an opportunity to move this great club forward and maximise its potential. Everyone needs to play a part and get behind Rochdale Hornets like never before.”

Whitehaven

Championship side Whitehaven didn’t attend the meeting, and therefore abstained from the vote.

Their statement said: “We decided not to attend for numerous reasons. Firstly, we as a BoD are fighting a daily battle to secure funds to support the club and allow it to continue. We felt our time and effort was better placed in continuing to do so.

“Given we have a BoD compromising 3 people, it was a decision we had to make as to where was the most appropriate place to give our time and effort.

“On how we would have voted, we feel that without understanding the guaranteed funding allowances against the grading criteria, we couldn’t make a judgement one way or another. Therefore we would have abstained.”

Widnes

When licensing was last in force, Widnes were the main success story – being elevated to Super League in 2012 and largely competing on the field as well as bringing through multiple homegrown players.

Head of Operations, Chris Hamilton, said: “As a club we understand why there are some people against it but at Widnes we are looking to very much run with the new system, protect and sustain those areas where we are strong and really work as hard as we can to improve areas that we need to.

“It will be a challenge, of course, but one we look forward to meeting head on.”

This piece will be updated as and when other clubs release comment on the vote.