Celtic Crusaders have been told their Super League status will not be jeopardised by the investigation into possible immigration offences. The UK Border Agency is investigating whether visas for some of the club's overseas players are insufficient. But Rugby Football League spokesman John Ledger said the club's future in the top flight is safe "unless there's been a heinous break of the law". "I can't imagine the RFL telling the club 'we don't want you'," he added. "We're here to offer support. If they've made mistakes in the past we have to make sure they're not made again and that the club can move forward and learn from what's happened in the last few weeks. "Hopefully they can go from strength to strength."  | I wouldn't have thought there'll be a mass clearout Celtic Crusaders chief executive Mike Turner |
The Crusaders, who were awarded a three-year Super League franchise last July, have said they are co-operating fully with immigration officials and were hoping for a "swift and equitable conclusion" to the investigation. The probe is the latest blow for the troubled Bridgend-based club, who currently lie bottom of the table in their first Super League season and are facing financial difficulties. As a result, the RFL have sent former Wakefield chief executive and former Huddersfield coach Steve Ferris to offer support. His main task is to help the Crusaders build a strong playing squad for next season, but Ferris says his arrival should not be viewed as a threat to John Dixon's position as head coach. "As it stands, I'll be working in conjunction with John to put a team together for next season," Ferris told BBC Wales Sport. "We'll also be looking at a good practice throughout the footballing operation and management structure; looking at taking the club gradually forward. | 606: DEBATE |
"It's not going to be an overnight success, everybody knew that from the start. But I'm pretty confident rugby league has got a big future in Wales." The Crusaders chief executive Mike Turner said the club can only benefit from Ferris' "vast knowledge and experience" of the game. The club has already announced that two of their long-serving overseas players, Tony Duggan and Damian Quinn, will be leaving at the end of the season, but Turner stressed he does envisage a "mass clearout" of players. "We're no different to any other club; we're looking at our strengths and weaknesses both on and off the pitch and decisions will be made as to who's staying and who's going," said Turner. "But I wouldn't have thought there'll be a mass clearout. It's out first season in Super League and a lot of the players have been on a massive learning curve, as has everybody at the club. "We're just looking to make sure we are competitive next year."
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