Same clubhouse, same catering staff, same barmen, same commentators, same coaches, many of the same players, same manager, same chairman, same ground staff- at one time or another all or parts of the above have been the same for both HBU and NCR. I know everyone went to great pains to sell the concept to everyone but the perception was always there and was hard to shift. This is not a criticism at all, I honestly think the club would of been long gone if it wasn’t for the input of NCR people wearing whatever hat at the time.
I think the fundamental issue in the end was that HBU were being funded by Central Football and clubs started to revolt against what was essentially their money used to pay for players from outside the region. Clubs struggled to see any big picture, which I think is a little disappointing but understandable.
It’s hard for “community” clubs to survive and the loss of CWC money has to bite too surely.