IT’S the time of year for reflection, and in the world of rugby league there hasn’t been much to cheer about, I’m afraid.

Sorry to be a messenger of doom, but the sport is going through a very difficult period in this country and a new strategy is long overdue.

Bradford Bulls, one of the major players in the sport, have gone into administration for the third time in four years and, as I’m writing, we still don’t know the outcome of recent takeover talks.

It is highly likely the RFL will accept the new buyer consortium and that the Bulls will continue, but they face a 12-point deduction or possible relegation to League One as a result of going into administration. (Now that would be an interesting conundrum as Barrow or Whitehaven would take their place apparently.)

The sale has hinged on whether a deal could be done with the RFL to secure the leasehold on Odsal Stadium, with administrator Gary Pettit saying if an agreement could not be reached, there would be no deal.

The RFL own Odsal and have stated that the ground will not form part of the negotiations; so there are still key issues to resolve.

How can a club of this stature go into administration three times in four years? It’s ridiculous.

Sheffield Eagles are also going through a massive transition. The CEO has gone and the club are seeking new investors, while at the same time being unable to find a venue to play at in Sheffield next season. Therefore, they have taken up Wakefield Trinity’s offer to play at Belle Vue .

Eagles general manager Liam Claffey said: “We explored all options in Sheffield and further afield in the South Yorkshire region, and there was sadly nothing available to us.

“It’s disappointing that with the stadiums and facilities we have on offer in Sheffield, no-one could support the club during what has been and remains a very difficult period, to ensure we remain in the city.”

How bad is that? A city the size of Sheffield can’t provide the Eagles with a venue.

In our division, York City Knights were on the fringe of extinction last season until a successful takeover.

Plenty of politics were in play during ex-chairman John Guildford’s reign, and he said on his departure: “I now hope that the club is allowed to prosper without the interference of the outside forces that I have had to contend with in recent years, and I look forward to seeing the club in a permanent home again, wherever that might be.”

However, confirmation is yet to come that the team will be able to play at York City's Bootham Crescent as part of the council's community stadium project; so another club without a home.

York start their new season against Barrow at Craven Park on Saturday March 4, and respected coach James Ford has put together a brand new squad following the mass exodus during the close-season.

The RFL are also bracing themselves for a significant cut in Sport England funding and, over Christmas, 41 jobs were put officially at risk at RFL headquarters.

With two of Super League’s best wingers, Josh Charnley and Denny Solomona, signing for Sale Sharks, the future is looking bleak.

So, there are plenty of challenges ahead. But on a positive note, closer to home, Barrow’s predicament doesn’t look too bad.

We own Craven Park, and we have got some historical debts, but we are in a much better place than most clubs.

The aim for 2017 is promotion and, if the whole community, including business and the council, can come together, I’m convinced the club can go on and achieve the success it deserves.

Happy New Year!