Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 7:26 am  

Speculation that the Rovers are utilising any funds generated by the Dons is rubbish in my opinion, they are determined to get us into super league, the extra income this would generate would be substantial and potentially on a par with the football operation based on a league one status.
The Dons budget hasn't been used in full is my opinion, I believe Paul wants to use this season to build a solid foundation to possibly go full time next year, my issue is that if we are not careful we could risk relegation and it could ruin the 3 year plan or 5 that Carl referred to at the fans forum prior to the season.
I believe the money was available to go full time this season but the staff didn't think we were ready to do so and needed time to prepare which makes sense, however I believe we should've added a couple of experienced players to give the fans some hope and remain reasonably competitive.
I am not involved within the club and this is just my interpretation of everything we've been told via tweets, Carls weekly interview and at the fans forum.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:18 am  

I think Rugblyman has hit a few nails on the head.

I don't buy into the idea that the Rovers are trying to milk the Dons. Getting us into Super League would create greatly increased revenue and that should be the aim of Club Doncaster.

I also agree with Steve Roebuck in that we have seen very little evidence that Club Doncaster is benefiting the Dons presently. Communications and keeping fans informed seems to have gone backwards. The benefits are probably in reduced costs in backroom administration, which we can't see.

The Dons must have kept a serious amount of their budget back possibly creating a bigger stash of cash to use when they feel it can be better used, perhaps in circumstances similar to those mentioned by Rugblyman.

I doubt we'd be the first side to go full-time in Championship One!

We shouldn't over-react to the start we've made to the season but whichever way we look at it, our situation isn't good and we need to start picking up points soon or else the general air of pessimism will grow quickly.

Paul Cooke knows what he's doing. Whilst I fear relegation is a possibility, I wouldn't want to put anyone else in charge of our fate. Let's get behind him and show him we're on his side.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:22 am  

Double Movement wrote:

I also agree with Steve Roebuck in that we have seen very little evidence that Club Doncaster is benefiting the Dons presently. Communications and keeping fans informed seems to have gone backwards. The benefits are probably in reduced costs in backroom administration, which we can't see.

Jordan, who is the Media guy responsible for the website and the social media side of things can only do so much. If the staff aren't willing to tell him the latest on injuries and the like, then he can't batter it out of them . I know they aim to improve the communications side of stuff, but thats a long term aim.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:52 am  

Donny wrote:

Jordan, who is the Media guy responsible for the website and the social media side of things can only do so much. If the staff aren't willing to tell him the latest on injuries and the like, then he can't batter it out of them . I know they aim to improve the communications side of stuff, but thats a long term aim.

Donny, I'm not pointing the finger at anyone specifically. If Jordon can't get any news to post then the problem must lie elsewhere. I'm commenting on what I see as a fan.

We've had very little or no news about injuries and team selections this season. It would be nice to see the 19-man squads that have to be announced 48 hours before the games are being played. The attendance figures at the matches are no longer being announced, and I'm having to read the Hull Daily Mail website to learn what's happening at the Dons, which shouldn't be the case.

With respect to the club, these are basic issues and not things that need time to sort.

On a wider scale, at times like this, when supporter morale is low, we need more reassurances coming out from the Dons, and Club Doncaster, that the issues being raised on here are being listened to.

Other fans will be thinking the same as posters on here. It's not just a matter of believing we're a few fans and we don't matter. This forum is a barometer of feeling of all rugby supporters in Doncaster. The club have an opportunity to address the issues raised and should take that opportunity, or else they'll run the risk of isolating people and losing them.

I would really like to see someone from the club posting on here on a regular basis, to keep us informed and answer our questions.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:14 am  

I think some people from the club have posted directly in this thread already but not using their real names...only a hunch tho cannot prove anything without access to IP address information and the like.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:34 am  

If somebody from the club is posting on here, then what have they got to gain from hiding their identity, I believe in the past we have had family members of players posting on here but as all been positive, obviously they will defend that player when criticised.
I agree at this moment in time with poor results on the field it is essential to provide greater off field communication to give fans some hope the club are working to improve the situation.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:54 am  

Surely we can take it as red that the club are trying to improve the situation, wouldn't think for one minute anyone is happy with the start we've made, but its only three games in and we have been close in two of them. Leigh on Sunday?, not many will beat them. As for info regarding team selection, injuries etc, yes I agree could be better.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:14 am  

Huddersfield & Cas are in the same boat at the minute . no wins from 3.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:14 am  

We probably tend to forget but when we feel down about a defeat, the players and all at the club will feel the same way, or almost certainly worse.

They put their necks on the line. We watch the game for fun. Even during the grim times at Tattersfield, I never forgot that fact and it's not going to slip my mind now. Loads of respect to the players regardless of the results.

Re: Workington v The Dons Sunday 1 March 2015 : Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:02 am  

Just for the record I have no issue with any of the players who are Donny players (heck I work in the same building as two of them) I think the crux of my issue is that some players are not getting a chance and we do seem to be at the beck and call of Hull FC.