Celtic Crusaders and Salford awarded Super League places

Back in the big time: Shaun McRae will lead Salford back to the Super League

The decision of the panel to opt for Welsh expansion and bring back Salford, who were relegated last year but have grand plans for a 20,000-capacity, means disappointment for Widnes.

The Vikings, who lost their place in the top flight in 2005, missed out along with Leigh, Halifax, Featherstone and Toulouse.

Salford were quick to express their joy at the decision.

A club statement read: "Salford City Reds are delighted to be back in engage
Super League.

'The club had every confidence in its licence application, which was a comprehensive review of all aspects of club operations.

'The granting of a licence based on those documents is testimony that the game's governing body approves of the professional manner in which Salford City Reds currently operates on and off the field.

'We would like to take the opportunity to thank the executive directors at the RFL for their decision which secures the future ambitions of Salford City Reds for the 2009 season and beyond.'

Licences were awarded based on a number of criteria, including stadia, fanbase
and financial and playing strength.

The RFL decided to adopt the scheme to allow clubs to develop mid to long-term
development strategies that they felt were hampered by a promotion and
relegation system.

Fresh start: RFL chief executive Richard Lewis unveils the new-look Super League

Crusaders chief executive David Thompson said: 'We are absolutely delighted.

'What we have achieved over two-and-a-half years is incredible, but we know all we have done is get to the starting line.

'We have got a lot of work to do over the next three years to make sure we
continue to grow and become stronger.'

The unsuccessful clubs, and others, will have the chance to reapply when
licences are awarded for 2012-2014. The RFL have set no upper limit on numbers
so the competition could again be expanded to 15 or 16 clubs.

Widnes had been among the front-runners to be included this time and chairman
Steve O'Connor, who rescued the club from financial ruin last year, insists the
club will bounce back.

O'Connor said: 'We've only just been informed of the RFL's decision, which is
obviously deeply disappointing to the board, officials, players and fans of this
great club.

'We now need to sit down and assess the full implications of this ruling over
the next few days. However, it is important that our fans are reassured that I
am fully committed to Widnes Vikings.

'There was great competition for these 14 licences and some of the applicants
were bound to lose out at the end of the day.

'I feel it is vital for the game as a whole that the Super League flourishes under this new licence system and I'm still convinced that Widnes Vikings have all the credentials to become a powerful force in Super League.

'We must build on the solid foundations we have laid down over the past eight
months and prepare an absolutely irresistible licence application for the future.'

The Crusaders, Salford and Widnes were all thought to have submitted strong
applications but including them all would have meant dropping one of the
existing number.

Castleford and Wakefield were thought to be the clubs most under threat but
both were given votes of confidence.

Richard Lewis, the RFL's executive chairman, said: 'This is a historic day for
rugby league and we are once again being innovative and leading the way in
British sport by implementing a licensing system that will improve standards
both on and off the field in the elite competition.

'We believe licensing has already served to galvanise the sport, stimulating
clubs into addressing the issues of facility improvements, spectator comfort and
the production of more players.

'Fundamentally, and at its heart, licensing promotes improvement in standards
across the board.

'It creates stability and yet crucially keeps open the route into Super League
for all aspiring clubs who can demonstrate the required standard. It is a better
and fairer way of a club entering engage Super League.'