Confidence grows in Sheffield Eagles' future

The Eagles board are set to discuss a number of key issues as they look to secure their future following months of uncertainty.

Whilst it would now seem a formality that fresh investment will see the Eagles into a new dawn, the club still need an answer on a venue for next season.

Director of rugby Mark Aston says progress is expected, with a meeting also planned with the club’s latest backer before the end of the week.

“It isn’t signed off just yet, it is very close,” Aston said. “I have been away with Ireland but there is a meeting this week with the Board, and at the back end we have another meeting with the sponsor, so hopefully we will have everything agreed then. There are still a few more hurdles to jump across but I think that we will be fine with them.”

Aston’s words will comfort Eagles supporters who have been waiting for official news that the club will survive.

The greatest indication yet that an announcement is close came last week when Eagles were included in the 2017 fixture programme, with Aston stating the Rugby

League authorities are happy with current progress.

“This week we are hoping for a bit more news on it, but I am happy that we are very close,” he added.

“The sponsor is very comfortable that it will all go ahead as planned. The RFL are in dialogue with us constantly, they know where we are up to and they are

obviously happy because we are in the fixture programme for next season, we want to take our place and they want us in there as well.”

Eagles remain keen to stay in their home city, with Aston confirming he has had a positive response from both Sheffield Wednesday and United regarding the

possibility of using one, or both, of Bramall Lane and Hillsborough facilities.

The Eagles have also held talks with Wakefield Trinity, whilst playing back in Doncaster or at Dewsbury has also been mooted.