Interesting comments, from Commissioner Goodall, with regard to the road-map for a London franchise. He confirmed what was already assumed - the Jags playing back-to-back games is the next 'integrity of the game' test (any advantage / disadvantage to either team). Assuming no issues arise, the concept will then depend on the outcome of the stadium negotiations, in Jacksonville. If the Jags get their stadium then they'll need a temporary home for two seasons - that would be London. It would allow the NFL to have the ultimate 'stress-test', over two seasons, to find out if a London franchise would work. If not, then the concept could be dropped, with the Jags returning home anyway, and it would be an abandonment based on evidence and experience, not just because some owners might not be keen, which UK fans in favor of a home franchise would accept. London would revert to the current set-up. If there were no issues then the Jags would return, and Goodall would give the green-light to a London expansion franchise. Things were not so clear-cut on what happens if there is no stadium deal - the inference was that the Jags would relocate to London and, if it didn't work, then they would be relocated back within the US.
It was encouraging to hear the Commissioner saying that his enthusiasm, for a Lomdon franchise, grows with every London Series. Significant as it has always been felt, over here, that his previously reported uncertainty and hesitation was a major obstacle.
