I think this constant referral to PR from either side (and it is all sides) that every thread seems to descend into detracts from the real issues. Yes all sides try to spin it their way but surely by now we have learnt to see through it? Damn well should have done by now
Summary of what I think is happening now
- I think that CCC, CSF, Wasps, COWAT, Charity and others have aligned themselves to put maximum pressure on SISU. They most probably have just got simply fed up of dealing with them. They want SISU (not the club) gone
- many of the above are linked in ways not immediately obvious to the average CCFC fan
- SISU have found just about every door closed to them and are left with legal actions (against opponents that are not that vulnerable and not that scared of a fight) and belatedly an appeal to the fans. Having led the fracturing of the support (ably assisted by others though) they now think everyone will fall behind them over the Academy
- CCFC is the football to be kicked around by all sides and is seriously at risk. It isn't just the Academy that is on the edge
- The Academy is the last call to arms. I very much favour having one but there are alternatives. Will be emailing the FA to see if I can get some questions answered and let you know the response
- CCC is as was always the case a dominant player in all this and is one of the rocks that CCFC is ground against. CCFC because of the dispute and lack of partnership has plummeted down its list of priorities - it shouldn't be the case but that's where egos and dispute has led
- CSF & COWAT. They run much more than the Higgs centre but have close relations with both CCC & Wasps. The relationship with CCFC at the Higgs Centre has not, despite CA's assurances, been historically that great. The club has been locked out for non payment of rent allegedly and was in dispute over costs before CCFC decided to leave breaking that link forged in 2003. CCFC saying they want to stay (apparently recently - I mean in last 6 months) moving it to contract something else (takes two though). Doesn't feel like there was a sense of partnership between CSF COWAT and CCFC. But finding another tenant does put big pressure on SISU. In theory that pressure should galvanise the fans behind SISU but it really doesn't seem to have. Also why didn't we all challenge the swimming pool - it apparently doesn't even fund itself so how can it be better value for CSF, CCC, the taxpayer than renting out a big empty space with significantly less costs!
- Wasps. Yes part of putting the pressure on SISU. They will go about their business as is their right and do not have to consider the needs of CCFC, frankly if the needs haven't been adequately addressed by the owners by now why should Wasps. I still think the offers of partnership should not be dismissed but you get the impression it doesn't include SISU. Can they be active in maintain the Academy 2 status - I think we need to ask some questions of FA, EPPP regulators, Wasps & CSF first to know that. Basically CCFC under SISU is an irritation to them and they are moving on regardless with their plans. That has to give CCFC fans a feel for the confidence Wasps have surely. I don't want them here but I do not see a way of making them leave, and they are here long term. The only place there is a door open to the club though in terms of partnership at any site in Coventry - but not it seems with SISU in control
- Charity. I think the key here is the clause in the Covenant regarding disposals to entities involved in legal action or threat against the Charity. That seems to me to rule out a lease to Otium trading as CCFC. The Higgs Charity want nothing to do with anything connected to SISU. Not really a surprise after all the bad blood between them but it is an obstacle to CCFC taking over the Higgs Centre instead of Wasps. Surely then CA must know that an offer to base CCFC from there is therefore pretty hollow - if he doesn't he ought to. But SISU being involved means no goodwill from AEHC towards CCFC
- Others. Not such obvious characters perhaps. But how long does it take to obtain a head lease and what is holding it up?. Without the head lease then BPA as an alternative is a total non starter and another door closed to CCFC under SISU. Without access to funds and the head lease then CRFC have no way of progressing their under used site for the good of CRFC let alone a CRFC & CCFC partnership.
- SISU. I would think feel under a concerted attack from the parties above. They have not it seems found a way to encourage or build any positive relationships let alone partnerships in this whole saga (is CRFC a partnership or is it with CCFC). Their chosen method of "negotiation" is tell people what they want and to take legal action if they do not get it. Hardly a way to open doors or to keep them open. All of the above basically want SISU gone. Are SISU under other financial pressures? The last accounts were not great are their investors getting less than impressed with their investment returns?
- CCFC is the tool used by all involved to get what they want. I think from where I sit all the above want CCFC to survive. However for CCC, CSF etc that's survival without SISU. Because of the financial structure adopted then the shares and debt stop any interest from third parties - the saga and decisions taken have stripped out just about anything of worth (not the same as asset stripping) the club has little worth. The club is very seriously at risk. The Academy is seriously at risk but there may still be ways to maintain it. CCFC is led by an obviously intelligent guy who has the best intentions but crucially does not have the final say. There is a feeling of they cant do this to us we are CCFC - oh but they can and are. The only weapon that CCFC have to compete with are a fractured fan base and 133 years of history. As I said above CCFC is the football to be kicked around by all sides
Fans - well we do not seem to agree on much. Even then very real threat to, in my opinion, the vital Academy is met with arguments and indeed apathy. This of course is happening at the quietest time in the football calendar or indeed the rugby one - coincidence? It takes the wind out of protest ideas to some extent. The CCFC owners have never really developed a relationship with the fans - the club tries but apathy has set in for many and unbelievably some so called fans would rather see the club fail. But then who listens to the fans - NONE OF THE ABOVE
Doors have systematically been closed, at quite probably the worst time for SISU and CCFC. I do not see that as a coincidence but it is all perfectly legal. Any business has as its first duty the requirement to look after its own affairs first, including SISU (read that last sentence again)
There are ways out of this mess but ......................................