Derek Beaumont makes bold IMG claim amid relegation rumours

There has been speculation that Leigh Leopards could be in danger of relegation in 2024.

This is because the Leigh Leopards finished 12th with a Grade B score in IMG’s indicative grades. This is in the final Super League spot under IMG’s new structure.

If Leigh finished 12th again in the 2024 IMG grades they would be the last team who secured their Super League status.

However, Castleford Tigers finished 13th and have been assured that their score was incorrect and they would have finished 12th instead of the Leopards and if that happened in 2024 Leigh would wind up in the Championship.

This is unfathomable given the amazing success the Leopards had in 2023. However, the prospect of them being relegated is unlikely if they have another strong season but also because the club is set to score better financially.

This was something owner Derek Beaumont addressed as a rebuffed speculation they could be relegated on X.

He said: “Well I know that our financial score was 1.3 in that document and having completed our accounts and with business I have done it now scores 3.8 verified by the RFL and that’s a fact not a lie which makes us 14.95 with possibility of losing .25 for CC but other increases in this year from a Covid year that leaves me pretty sure we will be grade A and seen as a grade A club can’t be relegated. It should be the actions of the players that determine who stays and goes.”

Derek Beaumont delighted with season ticket sales

Beaumont has also spoken about the brilliance of the club’s season ticket sales. He said on the club’s website:

“A significant part of the success of the commercial aspect of the club is down to the performances of the players on the field and I would like to place on record my appreciation of the efforts of all the coaching and performance staff and to all of our squad who have been outstanding in their approach to the new season.

“Whilst I couldn’t make the warm weather camp in Lanzarote, I am aware it was again a huge success and has set the bar even higher than we did at this stage last year. As Adrian says, “winning takes care of everything” and with success comes more pressure but we are also very mindful of the other elements that are extremely important to the club to ensure Super League status with the grading system which will this year be implemented for real.

“It has never been more important to bring a friend and convince others to ‘be the roar’. We finished with a sell out at the end of last season, and it would be remarkable if we could achieve that for the opening game.

“As I have said many times it’s easier for 4,000 people to each convince one person than one person convincing 4,000 people. If all our current members were to achieve that we would be sold out and what a message that would be.”