Batley boss “very worried” by uncertainty over league re-structure

Batley boss Craig Lingard says clubs need to know as soon as possible how the rugby league landscape may be reshaped in order to avoid serious financial danger.

The arrival of global management company IMG has prompted speculation over revised league formats for coming seasons, and many clubs feel completely in the dark according to the Bulldogs coach whose side are fourth in the Championship after an away win at Super League hopefuls Featherstone.

And speaking exclusively on the latest Love Rugby League Podcast, Lingard has demanded clarity.

“I think it is very worrying. Regardless of the format, clubs need to know as soon as possible,” he says.

“It’s ridiculous. How can we as a club who don’t want to get into financial trouble, run a viable business? We don’t want to put the club into serious financial danger, but don’t know what the structure is going to be or the implications based on where we finish in the league.

“We didn’t even know two weeks before the season what format this season was going to take. Some clubs probably overspent because they were worried about the two leagues of ten coming in. The clubs weren’t informed and they need to know as soon as possible. Clubs are now doing retention and recruitment for next season. They’re trying to work out a budget without knowing the format the league is going to take.”

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