Actually, the article only indicates that neither have been in touch with Sutcliffe. Since he points out that this is not under his control anyway, that hard counts as not doing anything.



The RFL and the clubs have been in touch with the Home Office/UKBA/Immigration Department - the folk who actually control what happens.



Having the Sports Minister on side can't hurt, but I doubt it will prove crucial. I also have to question just how effective this guy is if he is genuinely unaware of the issue.

Have to disagree Paul, i'm sure they have submitted a comprehensive application but clearly they havn't sought advice/assistance that is avaialble to strengthen the application.



The signing of Crocker was massive, an internationally renowned player who would bring progression to the clud in all facets of our club. This minister has obviously spoken up as he could potentially benefit the application, if that is the case, it should have been explored.



I'm not intentionally trying to be negative, i'm grateful that the club are out their recuriting players of the Berrigan/Crocker ilk, but clearly, more could of been done to speed up this farcical application.

Crocker was mentioned on the Footy Show last night, and it was said he would find out the decision in the next fortnight. So really its like how long is a piece of string isn't it?!

You know the old saying of 'Its not what you know but who you know' ? I don't see any harm at all in the club contacting the Minister.

This minister hasn't 'spoken up' at all. He's been contacted by the HDM and provided the usual meaningless media statement.

I dont (personally) think it's "meaningless" when he has stipulated the "support" he has offered other sporting clubs in their overseas recruitment.

Yes:



"Speaking to the Mail, Mr Sutcliffe said he had not been made aware of the problem, which has seen a number of clubs miss out on key signings due to tightening up of immigration rules.



"I am happy for the club if they want to get in touch with me to do so and I will speak to the relevant Minister" he said"



maybe you should take your head out of your and read the article instead of jumping straight to the clubs defence all the time. (just an idea)

I am genuinely amazed. And only when the sports minister offers help publically will we do anything about it....



We need someone proactive at the club

For me, this is the encouraging statement from the UKBA. If it was a second refusal it would have been done so very shortly after the 25 days, as it is now nearing two weeks after the 25 days it suggests to me that all the other processes are being carried out.









A UK Border Agency spokesman confirmed Crocker's second visa application had now 'slightly passed' the 25 day period usually taken for applications to be considered.



He added: "Our current processing time for most categories of entry clearance is 25 working days from the date of receipt into the Visa Section in Canberra.



"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.

"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.





Does this mean it has been granted and awaiting the final stages then?

Being the eternal optimist, that's how I read it

He also states that he is unaware of the current issue, so he clearly hasn't been offering much support recently. And prior to this issue there hasn't really been a need for his support.



As I said - a meaningless media soundbite.

Surely they won't refuse after all this time, I also thought Hame's only took 14 working days.Whatever neither will play in the derby.