London's 19 year long spell at Rugby League's top table is over, for now at least. As they embark on a brief farewell tour before joining the Championship ranks in next year's revamped league, we thought we would get enduring Bronco fan Ian Gatward to share his memories on their time at the top and thoughts on what the future might hold.
So it is confirmed, London Broncos are relegated. Am I surprised? No. Am I upset? In a way, yes, but not entirely, as I will explain.
My mind goes back to when Brian McDermott left the club, he gave an interview to Boots'n'All with that favourite anti-London pundit Paul Cullen and part of that interview was a warning that unless new backers and the RFL came in the club would evaporate and the future was not good. How right he was. But in amongst all the mire that the club left itself in a ray of light and some sense of reality has hit them.
Let us go back in time to the history of Super League in London. I think it is fair to say that not everybody supported the idea of a club in the capital and all kinds of moans were made from the amount of Australians that played for us to the dear price of a hamburger and pint in the club bar. However, whilst we were there the game in my opinion had some kind of national prestige about it rather than a sport only played in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Now before anyone says anything, I love Rugby League and we deserved to be relegated, so no wanting special rules to keep us in Super League. I am not an expert in the game or the club and never will I be. I am just a London fan hoping for the best for his club and the International side.
So many great memories of our time in Super League, especially finishing runners up and our trip to Wembley but in all honesty whilst we had great times, the past few years have been one long struggle and mercifully we have been relegated, but is this the end of the club?
To me the problems have been staring the club in the face for a very long time and to pinpoint what went wrong is in my opinion just nitpicking but fair to say the people who have been let down are the fans who have been treated shabbily. The ultimate insult, last season's cup semi final thrashing by Wigan with the sight of the owner leaving after 60 minutes, Wigan embarrassed to score and the players just walking off the pitch with not even an acknowledgement to the visiting London fans.
So forget what has gone on what about the future? Well it does have a good feel about it. The under 19s have shown great displays this year, Joe Grima has put his mark on the club and as I speak new signings are taking place and we have a proper pre-season in place.
My final point as a light hearted end is that we play Bradford Bulls on September 13th. My advice to our fans and Bradford fans is forget the rest of the clubs, bring your party gear and let us see out our final hours in Super League in party style. And on a serious note, to all those that glee with the thought of no London club in Super League just be careful for what you wish for, as this time next season your club could be facing the same anxious wait and problematic future as our club.
I shall keep an eye out on Super League and continue to watch it but next year we have a magic weekend by the seaside in Blackpool and we will visit other grounds. Are we upset? No, after all a magic weekend by the seaside or a magic weekend in Manchester, you decide.
All the very best to you all and best of luck to the clubs.
Take care
Ian
Thanks to Ian for writing what we're sure was a piece evoking mixed emotions, and thanks to you for reading. Come back for more blogs on all Rugby League goings on and don't forget to listen to the show on Spreaker or iTunes!
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