Who needs Eastenders?

Des Byrne denied he wanted to return as Chairman, the new lease agreement fell at the final hurdle, and our talented Australian scrum half had to be released - and this is all since last Monday. It is fair to say that following Whitehaven RLFC could be likened to watching a soap opera. Never a dull moment and always plenty of talking points to keep the faithful coming back for more. However the latest developments are hardly brimming with the kind of optimism that will see a flood of new faces at the Recre.

The latest developments including Mike Graham and Phil Clarkin stepping down from the BOD leave Gordon Grace all alone in holding the fort. Surely not an ideal situation and I'm certain he is looking to rectify it as a matter of urgency. However it does make me wonder why no one has expressed a serious amount of interest. I mean, it is obvious that the club isn't in a perfect financial situation, but it surely isn't a lost cause, I mean surely? The longer this situation goes on for, the more I will wonder what the real situation at The Recreation Ground is like. Even the press state there has been nothing more than tentative interest shown in regards to a takeover. I guess it's a case of watch this space and hope for the best.

Whilst there is a concerning amount of uncertainty surrounding the BOD, what is more worrying is the future of The Recre. Despite both the miners and the club agreeing a lease, CISWO, the parent body of the miners refused the agreement. The current lease expired on the 31st of October leaving not only the stadium development plans in doubt, but the future of Whitehaven RLFC at The Recre. The club have stated they will be starting legal proceedings but how long could that take? Well how long is a piece of string? Maybe we could just relocate to Marchon...

And then just when you think enough bad news has been dealt, we go and lose our star signing Daniel Russell. New immigration laws stipulate that overseas amateurs cannot play for professional or semi-professional clubs. This is obviously a major blow to the squad and does leave a hole that presumably needs to be filled. Not all reaction has been negative from the fans though, some are glad that local lads will be given the chance. I'm sitting on the fence on this one, especially as I have seen this guy play and was very impressed. It looks like gone are the days when clubs bring over these up and coming Australians, it seems that era has come to a sudden end. It could be a while before a Sam Obst or Joel Penny graces the hallowed turf of The Recre again.

Onto a slightly more positive matter, the supporters trust idea that I mentioned in my last entry could be gathering a little bit of steam. A dedicated fan is extremely keen on the idea and has been exploring the various avenues to take. Through his research he is in contact with Supporters Direct who specialise in assisting fans form supporters trusts. They are holding a course in Manchester on the 11th of January which I have a place on and will be attending. Whilst this only the very first step on the ladder towards a supporters trust, it should give valuable insight into how they are formed and operate. I am keen to hear comments on the whole concept of the supporters trust.

So with no-one seemingly wanting to touch the club from a directorship point of view, another set back to the ground re-development and losing a potentially influential player, it doesn't seem like we are in the best of positions. However I for one am actually quite optimistic about next season, purely because of Ged Stokes. Crazy as it may sound (it would have sounded even crazier 12 months ago!) but I feel confident in this guy's ability and believe he is the correct person to take us through 2009. We have a fair squad on paper, and I for one hope they play with the same kind of passion and pride that was on display towards the latter stages of last season, starting with the match against Workington next weekend!