Wakefield opting to stay put at Belle Vue in belief it will increase Super League licence prospects

With Rugby Football League bosses ready to announce on July 26 the next draft of three-year licences that will determine membership of the top flight from 2012-14, the Wildcats have revealed a redevelopment scheme for the the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

Work over the winter will see the famous Belle Vue stadium upgraded to a 12,000 capacity, 10,000 of those fans in covered stands, in time for next season.

The news was delivered to Trinity supporters at a meeting last night at the Cedar Court Hotel, which also saw the launch of a new membership scheme, Club 1873. With a target of 5,000 members, 500 fans have already signed up.

Trinity had hoped to move to a new, purpose-built community stadium near the M62 motorway but that is subject to a lengthy delay after being called in for a public inquiry. Ground-sharing with rivals Castleford Tigers or at neighbouring Barnsley FC had also been looked at.

Club officials stressed on Thursday they still hoped to eventually move to a new stadium.

Wakefield believe both the ground redevelopment and membership scheme will boost their licence application to stay in Super League. At least one existing top-flight outfit will be demoted to make room for Widnes, whose promotion from the Championship has already been confirmed.

Wildcats chairman Andrew Glover last night pledged his commitment and support to the club and revealed that finances are in place to “drastically develop” Belle Vue.

“We said at the beginning of the year that we would do everything we possibly could to keep the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in Super League and this is exactly what we are doing,” said Glover.

“The biggest issue that we were faced with, within our control, was the stadium, so without wasting any time we have worked hard to ensure that we will have this new, fully-developed stadium that will meet with all of the RFL’s criteria in 2012.”

As part of the stadium revamp, the corporate hospitality suite will hold 750 people and boast fully-refurbished bars and restaurants. There will also be a new bar in the West Stand called the Touchline Bar and further concessions will be introduced around the ground “to further enhance the match day experience for supporters”.

A club statement read: “The changes and developments outlined above all strive to ensure that the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, home of the Wildcats, is compliant for Super League and will place our ground at a similar, if not better, level than many other stadia in Super League.

“The second announcement will considerably boost the membership aspect of the licence application.

“The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have successfully launched ‘Club 1873’ ... a new entry level membership scheme with a weekly draw of £500 and a range of other exciting benefits including in-store discounts and free junior membership.

“By becoming a member of this club, we are giving our supporters the opportunity to really make a difference at the club and help us in securing our Super League status.

“The scheme was launched with already 500 members at the time of the announcement and the level of interest created was extremely encouraging.

“The RFL state that all clubs need at least 5,000 members and this new scheme will be used as a tool for The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats to comfortably reach this target.”

Wakefield, who started the season with a four-point deduction after entering administration over the winter, are second-bottom in Super League, having won fives games out of 16.

Wildcats chief executive James Elston said of the dual announcement: “Keeping the Wildcats in Super League is at the forefront of everyone’s priorities and this has given us a great boost towards that.”