Gateshead are turning their sights to a Grand Final appearance in 2010 after surviving relegation in their debut season in the Championship.

Thunder won promotion from the then National League 2 in 2008 after a superb campaign which saw them claim the league title, but a close season of turmoil ensued when head coach Dave Woods was dismissed.

However, the club re-grouped under Chris Hood and despite a slow start, the appointment of Steve McCormack coupled with the addition of a few fresh faces to the playing staff in mid-season ultimately guided Thunder to safety.

It was the superb Bank Holiday win over Barrow that proved decisive - the 16-12 win at Craven Park putting their fate in their own hands ahead of the final weekend, which eventually saw Leigh relegated.

Five-year plan

Planning has already begun for 2010, and chief executive Rod Findlay is pleased with the progress the club is making.

He said: "we have a 5 year business plan and we are quietly progressing against the targets we have set ourselves. The first aim was to avoid relegation and we are now building a squad to aim for the Grand Final and Northern Rail Cup final in 2010 – but that is every team’s aim!

"We have set up an Under 18s and an elite Under 16s training squad. Thunder has increased average crowds by 60%, increased revenue, introduced several new sponsors and partners to the sport and have a vibrant community department with full involvement of the full time 1st team players. We are in discussions with Gateshead Council about improving the stadium. We are well run financially and off the field. We genuinely feel we are well placed to achieve and better the levels Thunder were at when we were formed in Super League in 1999."

But Gateshead won't be rushed in to pursuing a Super League place. To satisfy the criteria for the 2012 applications, they must either win the Northern Rail Cup or appear in a Championship Grand Final, and while that is what they aim to do next season, Findlay says any Super League push will be dependant on the club being ready.

"Like a lot of clubs we have ambitions to return to where it all began: Super League. Having said that, we are really enjoying participating in the Championship and Northern Rail Cup. The licensing criteria are what any rugby league club should be aiming for in any case: a competitive team playing in front of a strong crowd in a first class facility. And behind the scenes junior production, community activity and a well run business. We will work towards Super League and will apply if entitled to do so.

"However, if that comes in 2012 or 2015, we want to be ready before we move to Super League. The North East has already once had Super League taken from its grasp despite doing everything that could be expected. When Gateshead Thunder returns to Super League, we want it to be for good this time."

Heartbreak

Gateshead managed to end the season on a high with a 56-0 thumping of Doncaster - the first time the club has nilled a side in their history - while rivals Batley and Leigh also won, Thunder's superior points difference saw them claim a 7th placed finish.

It was heartbreak though for Leigh, who went down despite a 47-14 win over Whitehaven, with fans at Leigh Sports Village left broken by the news filtering through from Featherstone that Batley had claimed a decisive win.

What was all the more frustrating for the Centurions was that they finished the season above Toulouse - exempt from relegation in their debut season. But Thunder chief Findlay believes the inclusion of the French has been a positive for the Championship.

He said: "Toulouse’s introduction into the Championship was discussed in detail at the club meeting in October 2008. No-one should be surprised by their exemption from relegation. They were the rules we all agreed to. If their introduction into the Championship is to assist the development of French rugby league, which will be of benefit to the entire sport, then it is only appropriate for them to play at this level."

Thunder were thrashed 52-16 at home by Toulouse in the first meeting, but gained revenge in France in August - another result that sent Thunder on their way to survival.

Findlay added: "They have been massively competitive in their first season particularly after they had no pre-season games. They were in the mix for the play offs before running out of steam. They will be tough to beat next season. Their presence in the Championship adds extra interest to the competition. I fully support their place in the league and their exemption from relegation despite misgivings when the idea was first raised - and Thunder could have been the team to go down from 9th."

Experiments

And Findlay believes it may even be time to re-introduce the system that saw the second-bottom placed National League 1 team compete in the National League 2 play-offs to determine whether they are relegated or not.

"This is a tough one. On the one hand the teams in Championship One need to have a realistic opportunity of promotion every few years. On the other, two teams being relegated out of 10 English teams leaves a fine margin for error – particularly this year when three teams were separated on points difference.

"Leigh were competitive and I think all 3 teams added enough for them to feel that they deserve their place in the Championship. We were all closer to the top team than the bottom team and only five points off the play offs. Maybe the two teams in the relegation positions should be dropped into the Championship One play offs to play to retain their place? That perhaps balances the needs of both leagues."

The Championship has set the benchmark for experiments this season, with the bonus point system an understated success, perhaps reflected in the fact the league has been as competitive as ever. Sheffield Eagles earned a point from every single game they played this season, despite losing nine games. Perhaps a return to the suggested promotion/relegation format could act as an experiment to a similar system being implemented between the Championship and the top flight.

With the salary cap set to be lowered next season, a competitive competition will be ensured once again. 2010 is the last chance saloon for those yet to fulfil the Super League criteria, and it's going to take a brave man to bet for or against anyone next campaign.