Early 2025/26 predictions

[Locked Out]

Might there be a ground-sharing or even a more significant partnership between Otley and OO's on the cards? I know history, tradition and loyalties are really important, but it might make commercial and playing sense to consider? Seemed to work very well for al the clubs that fell into West Park Leeds. Oh yes...

[Speccy]

The two clubs dont get on, no surprise there. I belive OO's objected to the Planning Application by Otley for their new ground.

I dont think they will get Consent, with out the new by pass and that wont happen soon ( if at all )

Cross Green is falling apart, because they thought they were moving 4 yrs ago, so havent spent any money on the Clubhouse / facilities.

Otley must have spent a lot of money on professional fees already, to get no where. Building costs have gone up much more than land values since covid, so Otley wont be able to build what they anticipated, from the sale of CG. Aldi / Lidl will offer much less than Mc Carthy's.

I sense another Harrogate !
 

[HandsInTheRuck]

You are correct.. Aldi or Lidl have purchased Cross Green.

You would most certainly say that money from McCarthy and stone has gone on overprice players fees.

Interesting they have always had a rotation of players throughout the season, with some never getting a look in the match day squad... with no second team - bizarre.

They can't play out of West Park Students as they have Tykes playing there don't they.
 
interesting to see what happens. 

My contact at Otley says Lidl are/were interested but no purchase has been made (yet).
The planning permission for McArthy & Stone has been withdrawn and there doesn't appear to be any application for construction of a new store. And good luck if they can get that passed.

Re-ask Him.

Its a done deal apparently.

[avinastella]

Re-ask Him.

Its a done deal apparently.

It may well be. But there doesn't appear to be any planning applications in for it and that will take 2-3 years and that's if they can overcome the objections from Asda and the local retailers.
Interestingly, he said the main reason for McArthy walking was there was no longer a demand for their style of accomodation in the area. If, and i stress if, that is the case it seems to at be odds with the need for a further supermarket.

[HandsInTheRuck]

yeah, all Valid!

Locked out, OO wont join Otley, why would they? they own their land and run a nice voluntary run club, with links to Prince Henrys school.

If they joined Otley they might as well say goodbye to the club and its history, as it will just become Otley, where they will take all the clubs finances and handpick the players, there is no benefit for OO joining with Otley whatsoever. OO is a town club for Otley Folk. I think there is Only now Jason Moss at prop who is an Otley born player. Whereas the majority of OO players are from Prince Henry's or live in Otley.

OO never objected anything, it was Otley's optimism hoping they could build on green belt land, like you said, nothing gets built until that Bypass goes in, which has been going in since the big roundabout on Leeds Road was built - so nowhere near! unless they have mitigating/inclusive sport circumstances, which selling your club without due cause certainly is not - but I suppose only time will tell!

Anyways lets talk about Yorkshire 2

A very exciting year will soon be with us. 

[Grasser17]

Favourites to go up and to go down !!?
Any dark horses ?

Ripon & oo's top 2
N Allerton and brid bottom 2

My prediction 😬😬😬

Roll on 6th September

[Locked Out]

Great insight thanks Hands, it's interesting and ironic to see a relatively "small club" like OO in such a strong position against the mighty Otley. It makes perfect sense for OOs to progress as best they can in the league structure and with a strong feed (as long as they don't all disappear to uni and beyond like at Ripon) the future looks very bright.

I wouldn't discount Grasser's predictions for ups and downs, though think Baildon may have some significant input.

[Flaggy]

Ripon to Challenge again but maybe fall away again.
Brid to reverse their meteoric decline. Think Leos will be hard to beat at Crag Lane and beyond, so going for Leos and Ripon with Brid and OOs pushing hard.

[gateprop]

Ripon to Challenge again but maybe fall away again.
Brid to reverse their meteoric decline. Think Leos will be hard to beat at Crag Lane and beyond, so going for Leos and Ripon with Brid and OOs pushing hard.

Leos stayed in Y1 Flaggy.

[Locked Out]

Doh!

[Flaggy]

Sorry must have had a "Grey" moment. No disrespect intended to Leos.

[Rugbymadlad24]

Another brilliant acquisition from HLH, another player who came through the ranks has returned to the club, Si Wilson who can play 9/10 returns after a few seasons playing 1st team down at Huddersfield RFU, hopefully his experience will add to our already exciting new back line #UTY