So, the dust has settled following Bristol's failure to gain promotion.  Well no, actually even more dust has been raised.

Rumours abound, the playing budget cut, salaries cut, and administration.  But what do we really know?  The short answer is: nothing.  What is clear is that players we needed to retain have left or are about to leave.  Following the usual pattern several will doubtless go on to play for England (stand up Dave Attwood). 

Several supporters on this site have said that they'll seriously consider how they will continue, if at all, to support Bristol in the future.  If diehard posters here are thinking that way I think it's safe to assume that many others will be.  The uncertainty is killing the club.  Even more worrying is the way in which we have lurched, once again into apparent crisis.  We were assured that the club had two plans in place to cover both promotion and no promotion.  It now appears that Plan B is akin to Springfield's and involves the club in abandoning its previous position and moving five miles down the road (not literally you understand).

Obviously the club needs time to speak with its employees and it wouldn't be fair for them to comment precisely on what is being discussed, but we shouldn't need a post from Andrew Humphries to say that this is what is happening.  The rumours posted here, most by people we've never seen before, are contributing to a rather febrile atmosphere in which statements like "the uncertainty is killing the club" seem perfectly reasonable.  However, the club does need to say something, as we have clearly moved on from the situation envisaged in Chris Booy's statement.

It seems likely that the club's financial situation is far from robust, and much closer to that seen in our final (for now) Premiership season.  This is cruelly contrasted with that of B**h who have secured big-money backing from, to rub salt into the wound, a Bristolian. 

I have the feeling that decisions made now will determine Bristol's future for many years to come.  Numerous people other than our current board care deeply (perhaps too deeply) about the club.  If we are to survive and, eventually, prosper all these groups need to be informed and involved now.

And doubtless this will all be out of date within a few days (or even minutes!)

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