Like everyone else in Rugby League Workington Town chairman John Pleasants is looking for more details on the IMG plans for the sport.
But from what he has seen and heard so far, the RFL have found a very competent partner to work with in IMG to drive the sport forward.
Pleasants told Cumbria Crack: “They have engaged extensively with a wide range of stakeholders around the sport to ensure they have a clear understanding of how those people closely associated with the game see things currently.
“I don’t think many people will take issue with IMG’s analysis of those key areas they have identified as requiring improvement.
“It is clear that the sport needs to attract more investment, and also that it needs to reach a wider audience to ensure all clubs can exist in a more secure financial environment.
“I would liken the position of our sport currently to the position cricket found itself in the early 2000s. Traditional county cricket and Test Match cricket was being enjoyed by a relatively small proportion of cricket purists, but the grounds were empty.
“The new short-form versions of the game have revolutionised the viewing audiences all around the world, both in terms of live viewing, and televised matches. We need to create a similar buzz around our sport.
“I want to see our grounds packed with, not only traditional salt of the earth rugby league supporters, but with a new generation of fans and supporters from a much wider background.
“To be successful here we need to improve the match day experience dramatically. So in conclusion, it is early days yet, and we need to hear much more from IMG on how they intend to deliver on their proposals for improvement.
“In my opinion, though, it’s so far so good, and we need to be cognisant that no matter what proposals and plans are put on the table, they will never keep all parties happy.
“The challenge for us at Workington Town is to ensure we are in a strong position to take maximum advantage of the proposed realignments to the world of rugby league.
“To that end it is in my opinion even more important that we ensure the new Sports Village and stadium project are brought to a successful conclusion, and that we can move into our new home with our colleagues and partners Workington Reds.
“Without a new stadium for Workington we will never be able to take full advantage of the work being carried out by IMG, so as has been stated many times recently, let’s stop talking about it, let’s get on and build it!”
