Grading Hull

Last updated: 8th May 2008

KC Stadium Hull cheerleaders

KC Stadium: top marks

Hull were the latest side to come under the Boots 'n' All licensing spotlight.

With clubs being asked to put their bids in for a permit to take part in the competition from 2009, every week Angela Powers will be out and about seeing how the candidates meet the necessary criteria.

And according to Boots 'n' All's calculations, Hull should have no problems retaining their place in the top flight.

Hull's KC Stadium is vast, modern and atmospheric and clearly meets the RFL's criteria in terms of size and standard.

The club's crowds also earn Hull two points and their turnover and financial situation also appears to make the grade, even though the KC is not owned by the club.

We also feel Hull will pick up points for contributing to the competition, junior development and no salary cap breaches.

In fact, the only box we can't tick is having no other club within 20 miles - as city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers are obviously in close proximity.

We expect Hull to pick up a whopping nine points out of 10, a potential A Licence and a guaranteed spot in Super League next year.

Hull's Chief Executive James Rule said: "That would be nice. We don't want to count our chickens but we'd certainly be delighted with an A Licence.

"It would certainly be a just reflection of all the hard work that's gone on from the board right the way down through the administration staff, the coaching staff and of course the players."

CRITERIA

YES/NO

PTS

Capacity of 12,000 + YES 1
Premier competition standard ground YES 1
Average crowd of 10,000 + YES 1
Operating at 40 per cent full YES 1
Turn over £4million + YES 1
Solvent YES 1
Contribution to competition YES 1
Junior development YES 1
No salary cap breaches YES 1
No club within 20 miles NO 0
GRAND TOTAL 9
LICENSING GRADE A