Bradford and Bingley's plans to be among England's elite clubs by the year 2006 have met a mixed response from fans.

Former fifth team skipper Colin Bosworth says: "We are about ten years too late. By the time we get there all the top clubs will be run by franchises, and Leeds-Rotherham will be one of them.

"There won't be room for another in West or South Yorkshire as there will only be about ten or 12 franchises nationally. Maybe if the Bees get there the no-entry signs could be up.

"We missed the boat when Wharfedale, Otley and Rotherham were moving up through the leagues in the early 1990s.

"We have already spent a lot of money and haven't really got anywhere in the leagues.

"As for local clubs helping us out, Baildon and Bradford Salem are struggling to field three teams and Wibsey are decimated. Salem haven't built on getting to Twickenham two years running.

"Martin Whitcombe (Keighley coach) says it will cost £2 million to reach where we want to go, and we have only got £75,000 so far."

Norman Upton, who was treasurer at Wagon Lane for 50 years, said: "Everyone wants the club to go forward, but it all comes down to finance.

"We need to keep the functions going in the clubhouse and hope marketing man Peter Panteli can bring in some businessmen's money. We want to get to the businesses before they decide on their budget for the financial year."

Former first team player Chris Hemsley says: "The community role of the club is vital - going into schools by bus to teach about drugs awareness.

"But you always have the problem of whether local clubs will help out with players. Would they prepared to let their best players go and us reciprocate by giving them two or three of our players to help?

"One thing is for certain - if clubs stand still they in effect go backwards.

"Martin Whitcombe has been at big clubs all his life and knows what he is talking about, whereas I think someone like Salem's Neil Klenk needs to keep a more open mind on the Bees' chances."

Former Bees committee man Harry Reeder said: "I hope it comes off, but I wouldn't like to see the club lose their identity.

"As supporters we want good rugby, but we should remember that the third, fourth and fifth teams are important too."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.