THE realisation that they will never get on top of their debt problem has prompted a brave but sensible move by York Wasps.
Their new proposal to enter into a Company Voluntary Arrangement will allow the current Wasps administration to do something they have never yet had the chance to do - put the past behind them and lay down some ground rules to ensure a healthy future.
York Rugby League Club have spent the last few years lurching from one crisis to another. Most of it has been a result of past ghosts coming back to haunt them.
Each new administration has inherited the mounting problems of its predecessor and a lack of income, coupled with a few mistakes along the way, have made the situation untenable.
At last somebody has had the guts to say 'no more'. Finally the sums have been calculated - big debts and big wages, added to minimal income, equals crisis.
To be fair to the current team in charge, they have slashed wages as low as possible, cut expenses and paid off umpteen debts. It still hasn't been enough.
The CVA, if it gets the go-ahead from creditors, will mean the past can finally be laid to rest.
The only concern is that their future effectively lies in the hands of the Inland Revenue and City of York Council.
If they refuse to accept the CVA then the Wasps are likely to close down. Such a decision would seem illogical - the CVA means they would at least regain some of the cash owed to them. If it was wound up they would receive nothing.
Hopefully sense will prevail and respective organisations will realise they literally have nothing to gain and everything to lose by rejecting it.
Richard Collier has resigned as chairman and a director of York Wasps.
Collier's brief reign has come to an end as work commitments mean he cannot dedicate the necessary time to the club.
His decision is in no way connected with the proposal to enter into a CVA. Indeed, he tended his resignation last week before the CVA decision was taken.
It leaves chief executive Ann Garvey and doctor Derek Collinson as the only two directors of the club.
Garvey revealed they were looking to bring at least two new members on to the board and had held discussions with potential candidates.
The Wasps' defeat at Hull KR was even more galling than it seemed at the time, according to Spencer Hargrave's version of events.
He was penalised for interfering at the play the ball which handed Rovers the match-winning kick. But Hargrave believes the penalty should have gone to the Wasps.
He claims Rovers' scrum-half Scott Yeaman was holding him down and then started throwing punches.
Sadly, there was no way the referee was going to give York the penalty.
Judging by the penalty count, Hull KR must be the only team in the league who don't commit offences.
Spencer Hargrave and Andy Hill have a new claim to fame - they were once team-mates of a TV star.
While at the Kippax amateur club, the Wasps' duo played alongside Tony Fretwell, who recently appeared as a self-confessed love-rat on Blind Date.
Hargrave, Hill, Castleford's Danny Orr and Fretwell were all in Kippax's under-16 team and toured New Zealand together.
Fretwell, now the Halifax Blue Sox junior development officer, was picked by Oldham girl Lisa Huo, but their date in South Africa was not exactly a bed of roses.
Let's just say Spencer won't be needing to buy a new hat!
LEADING from the front row comes naturally for Wasps hooker Alan Pallister.
So not surprisingly 'Pally' is revelling in the role of captain during his testimonial season.
Speaking after the narrow defeat by Hull KR, he said: "I'm enjoying being captain. I think the lads are listening.
"I think I've got a bit of respect from them - at least I hope I have.
"I get a lot of help as well from Paddy (Handley) who does a lot of talking and Jamie Benn does a lot from the back."
Pallister is currently planning a few events for his testimonial season though few details have been revealed as yet.
The testimonial brochure is currently being prepared and he did reveal that a ladies night will be held in February. Watch this space.
Former Wasps' favourite Damian Ball is enjoying Internet fame with Dewsbury Rams.
Ball now has his own page on the official Dewsbury Rams website.
Check out his weekly column at www.dewsburyrams.com
Guildford Construction are once again lending their support to the Evening Press Player of the Year award, which this season takes on a new format.
The marking system has been altered to coincide with the one adopted for the York City award.
The man of the match receives three points, the second best player two points and the third best one point.
All the points will be added together and at the end of the season the player with the most points will be named Player of the Year and will win the £350 first prize. The runner-up will receive £150.
The cash prizes are again being provided by Guildford Construction.
In the opening two games, Paddy Handley was awarded man of the match against Doncaster and Alan Pallister took the top honour against Hull KR.
Also in the Doncaster match, Craig Moore gets two points and Craig Forsyth one for their hard-working displays.
Against Hull KR, Darren Hughes was awarded two and Leroy McKenzie one.
Points so far are: Alan Pallister 3, Paddy Handley 3, Darren Hughes 2, Craig Moore 2, Craig Forsyth 1, Leroy McKenzie 1.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article