Around 25 fans – more than anyone expected – met at the Gnoll on Thursday evening to discuss the newly-formed Scorpions. 

Considering the short notice and bad weather across South Wales, the turnout was excellent and the club's directors seemed delighted and surprised by the numbers in attendance! 

Initially, the meeting was chaired by Andy Birchall with the purpose of establishing a Supporters Club for the Scorpions. 

Andy was selected as chairman for the new Supporters Club - nominated by Ian Golden, seconded by Ian Lovell. Rob Yates was selected as the club's treasurer and Neil Goodman was appointed secretary. 

Chris O'Brien, Jon Nightingale, Glenn Colbridge and Aaron Hill all offered their assistance as committee members. 

Membership costs for joining the Supporters Club were then discussed. It was decided that membership would cost £5 for adults, £2 for 12-16 year-olds and free to Under-11s. Anyone joining the club will receive 10% discount on official club merchandise. 

Depending on interest, it is hoped that away travel can be organised for fixtures away from the Gnoll next season. Mark Rowley later confirmed that he is happy to book transport for the Supporters Club using the same company the team will use themselves. 

The Supporters' Club will be entirely self-reliant and will fund itself, though club directors emphasised that they were 100% behind its establishment. 

The next meeting is expected to take place on February 11^th. 

Later int he evening, the directors fielded questions from supporters.

Phil Davies, Mark Rowley, John Devereux, John Brennan and Rob Buckley all took the time to answer questions and discuss their hopes for the forthcoming season. The following was discussed: 

Head Coach: Fans were promised that an announcement can be expected soon. The weather has not helped the appointment, but a shortlist has been drawn up. The coach will work part-time, but in terms of rugby league will be fully focussed on the Scorpions. 

Playing Squad: The club has already earmarked around 22 players for its squad next season - whom will primarily come from the Crusaders and Welsh youth set-ups. A trial has been postponed due to the weather – but 120 applications were received and a very high standard is expected to be on show. 

Crusaders?: The directors highlighted their disappointment at what happened with the Crusaders relocating to North Wales. However, the Scorpions have now formed and the general consensus was to "move on". The club has a partnership agreement in place with Brian Noble's side. Any players the Crusaders do not need for a particular week can be sent to the Gnoll to play for the Scorpions. However, the Scorpions are under no obligation whatsoever to take or field these players. 

Attendance: The club have budgeted for an average attendance of 400 during its first season. Directors would be delighted if the club can attract four-figure gates, but 400 seems to be the key figure.

Long-term ambitions: It was confirmed that the club is hoping to enjoy a season of "consolidation" in its first year. The directors said a play-off finish would be considered a sensible aim for the inaugural season. The club is an independent entity and has ambitious plans for the future. It was confirmed that the plans are for the Scorpions to be in a position to put forward a Super League application for entry in 2015. 

TheGnoll: The club has initially signed a two-year agreement for the use of the Gnoll. The club has an excellent relationship with the ground's owner Geraint Hawkes, and have been left hugely impressed by ambitious plans for the ground's redevelopment. 

Merchandise: It'll be"tight", but it is hoped merchandise will be on sale to supporters before the start of the new season. 

After the meeting, fans headed into the hugely impressive and independently owned bar at the Gnoll. Phil Davies bought all fans a pint and the vibe was very positive as fans discussed the prospect of the new season which gets underway on February 28^th at home to Workington Town RLFC!

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