Have I missed an academy update? (30 Viewers)

[skybluetony176]

CSF were involved in the last audit and know exactly what facilities the club use. The framework for the EPPP with all the requirements in is also freely available online.

Even if we can't continue with all of the facilities we have now CSF can just say you currently have this, you can now have this.

Surely that just confirms what horse shit the excuse used for cancelling the meeting was. There was no need to send a letter in the first place and no need to expect a reply. As you say all parties already know the requirements. All they have to do is sit around a table and discuss that. Too simple?

 

---

[armybike]

I keep reiterating it because its an incredibly easy thing to get done. The trust have been told, just type up a press release, get CSF and Wasps to confirm it is accurate, open letter in the CT and it can be crossed off the list and we move on to the next obstacle Anderson puts in the way.

If we want to keep an academy we have to overcome the obstacles, not sit back and relax happy in the knowledge we have another stick to beat SISU with.

Going to the meeting was a very easy thing to do.

The obstacle has been presented by Anderson - there was an opportunity to move things forward and he refused to engage.

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

 

[Grendel]

Going to the meeting was a very easy thing to do.

The obstacle has been presented by Anderson - there was an opportunity to move things forward and he refused to engage.

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

Like wasps are refusing to engage in discussions about the team actually staying in Coventry?

 

[skybluetony176]

Like wasps are refusing to engage in discussions about the team actually staying in Coventry?

Like I said earlier. CA has the opportunity to be the bigger person here. It's just a shame he isn't willing to take that opportunity isn't it?

 

[italiahorse]

Like wasps are refusing to engage in discussions about the team actually staying in Coventry?

Only while the JR is exhausted. Then they pick up where they left off.
It's all in SISU/CA court. If they want it ?

 

[Broken Hearted Sky Blue]

I've said I would have attended but ultimately it's a no win situation.

What if he attends and again some vague statement comes out that talks have broken down and the background noise of legal action "doesn't help"? Again 90% on here would blame him.

It's a thankless task.

I would attend but would insist all aspects of the meeting are minuted and available for public scrutinye hav. I suspect Anderson wouldn't be the one to argue against that.

Really just like the minutes from SCG meetings are not released until they are approved by the club you are having a laugh. Sisu can't do anything that's wrong by you can they?

 

[albatross]

I think that this simply sums up SISU's concern for our club and how it is run.

The situation and clubs position is indefensible given their "commitment and concern" over the academy only weeks ago where we were told the world was conspiring against them.

Yet again they can't even attend a meeting to discuss the subject! how do they do business?

I have posted this before but I don't believe they want to fund the academy and wanted to pin the blame on all / any other parties and that they would find a way that an agreement would /could not be achieved. So now they are playing a farcical equivalent of pin the tail (blame) on the donkey with the whole world showing them the way but seemingly they remain blind!

 

[Grendel]

Only while the JR is exhausted. Then they pick up where they left off.
It's all in SISU/CA court. If they want it ?

So imposing conditions is acceptable is it? Also that's not 100% factual is it?

 

[Captain Dart]

Biased hack Reid has tweeted that fans must do the leg work. Apparently the club can sit on its arse & do nothing.

 

[Orca]

Biased hack Reid has tweeted that fans must do the leg work. Apparently the club can sit on its arse & do nothing.

He's also stated that planners asked for assurance on Cat 2 academy. They didn't. They asked for information on the replacement or relocation of the existing available facilities.

 

[italiahorse]

Given we would be paying a commercial rent in both instances it's hardly benefitting just us is it?

Depends if its worth the aggro.
It may appear to some that as soon as there is a hiccup in any deal, Sisu will take it to court.
Sisu may even be making out they are being hard done by in current negotiations to support the current court battles.
Its going to take a good few years, or change of ownership, before anybody will do CCFC any favours.

 

[italiahorse]

Biased hack Reid has tweeted that fans must do the leg work. Apparently the club can sit on its arse & do nothing.

There's a few on here saying the same.

 

[armybike]

Biased hack Reid has tweeted that fans must do the leg work. Apparently the club can sit on its arse & do nothing.

His Tweets present an air of authority but it's obvious that nobody from the organisations he berates gives two stuffs about his opinions.

Also, from a journalist perspective his lack of balance is absolutely ridiculous and why his views aren't taken seriously.

However, he's Tweets are still worth reading for the comedic value alone.

 

[Grendel]

His Tweets present an air of authority but it's obvious that nobody from the organisations he berates gives two stuffs about his opinions.

Also, from a journalist perspective his lack of balance is absolutely ridiculous and why his views aren't taken seriously.

However, he's Tweets are still worth reading for the comedic value alone.

Your posts are far more amusing than his tweets.

 

[armybike]

"Coventry City FC Club Statement: Alan Higgs Centre

Fri 22 Jul 2016 16:53

The club provide an update on the progression of the Academy's residence at the Alan Higgs Centre...

Coventry City Youth Academy is one of the country's best Category 2 academies with a long history of training some of Coventry’s most famous athletes.

In 2015, the Academy was ranked 5th out of the 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs in terms of providing a pathway for young athletes to reach the professional game. It is Coventry's site for developing players from grassroots all the way through to elite competition.

The Alan Higgs Centre has been the home of CCFC's Academy for over a decade. We havepreviously stated our opposition to plans by Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF), the operators of the Higgs Centre, to invite Wasps RFC to move their training base to the Alan Higgs Centre and thereby potentially displacing Coventry's youngest and most promising footballers. The club were therefore pleased to hear that CSF and Wasps would be open to working with the football club on finding a solution to safeguard the future of the Academy and its Category II EPPP status.

We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy. To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

To explain more fully the club’s usage needs (i.e., specific hours that would be required during different times of the day, week, year), we have also provided CSF with the Academy’s Higgs Centre usage schedule.

Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."


www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/coventry-city-fc-club-statement-alan-higgs-centre-3201107.aspx

 

[armybike]

Genuine question, is anyone able to point me in the direction of this -

"We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy."

 

[Brylowes]

"Coventry City FC Club Statement: Alan Higgs Centre

Fri 22 Jul 2016 16:53

The club provide an update on the progression of the Academy's residence at the Alan Higgs Centre...

Coventry City Youth Academy is one of the country's best Category 2 academies with a long history of training some of Coventry’s most famous athletes.

In 2015, the Academy was ranked 5th out of the 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs in terms of providing a pathway for young athletes to reach the professional game. It is Coventry's site for developing players from grassroots all the way through to elite competition.

The Alan Higgs Centre has been the home of CCFC's Academy for over a decade. We havepreviously stated our opposition to plans by Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF), the operators of the Higgs Centre, to invite Wasps RFC to move their training base to the Alan Higgs Centre and thereby potentially displacing Coventry's youngest and most promising footballers. The club were therefore pleased to hear that CSF and Wasps would be open to working with the football club on finding a solution to safeguard the future of the Academy and its Category II EPPP status.

We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy. To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

To explain more fully the club’s usage needs (i.e., specific hours that would be required during different times of the day, week, year), we have also provided CSF with the Academy’s Higgs Centre usage schedule.

Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."


www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/coventry-city-fc-club-statement-alan-higgs-centre-3201107.aspx[/QUOTE
Deceitfully yours,....SISU

 

[Brylowes]

"Coventry City FC Club Statement: Alan Higgs Centre

Fri 22 Jul 2016 16:53

The club provide an update on the progression of the Academy's residence at the Alan Higgs Centre...

Coventry City Youth Academy is one of the country's best Category 2 academies with a long history of training some of Coventry’s most famous athletes.

In 2015, the Academy was ranked 5th out of the 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs in terms of providing a pathway for young athletes to reach the professional game. It is Coventry's site for developing players from grassroots all the way through to elite competition.

The Alan Higgs Centre has been the home of CCFC's Academy for over a decade. We havepreviously stated our opposition to plans by Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF), the operators of the Higgs Centre, to invite Wasps RFC to move their training base to the Alan Higgs Centre and thereby potentially displacing Coventry's youngest and most promising footballers. The club were therefore pleased to hear that CSF and Wasps would be open to working with the football club on finding a solution to safeguard the future of the Academy and its Category II EPPP status.

We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy. To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

To explain more fully the club’s usage needs (i.e., specific hours that would be required during different times of the day, week, year), we have also provided CSF with the Academy’s Higgs Centre usage schedule.

Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."


www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/coventry-city-fc-club-statement-alan-higgs-centre-3201107.aspx

Deceitfully yours..........SISU

 

[Nick]

To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

To explain more fully the club’s usage needs (i.e., specific hours that would be required during different times of the day, week, year), we have also provided CSF with the Academy’s Higgs Centre usage schedule.

Can't really argue with that surely? They have asked CSF to let them know what's available once the lease expires.

They have also sent over the schedule of when it would be needed (if they have?)

I will await the one back saying "the door is open".

Still think this is a way of "managing the PR" of Wasps moving in and us not being able to be there. The PR management is get the trust on board again when there was a bit of anger towards them like when they first moved here.

Surely, all they need to say is "We havent received anything, this is the information of what you can have?".

If they have given the trust the plan so they can get it checked with the FA then surely they can just send it to the club in writing and go from there?

Something still seems a bit off from both sides, even ignoring everybody from the trust who have had a whisper in their ear from Wasps and CSF again.

 

[armybike]

Can't really argue with that surely? They have asked CSF to let them know what's available once the lease expires.

They have also sent over the schedule of when it would be needed (if they have?)

I will await the one back saying "the door is open".

Doesn't explain why Anderson refused to attend the meeting.

The prerequisite that they have to provide this information before he'll meet demonstrates he's creating barriers.

What have CCFC actually don't proactively to keep the Academy?

 

[oldskyblue58]

Genuine question, is anyone able to point me in the direction of this -

"We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy."

I think this is the bit in the FOI's that they are relying on.


But wasn't there a follow up email (which others have referred to previously) explaining about the netball courts and how CCFC use the area until their user agreement runs out

I do wish they would stop referring to it as a lease - it wasn't and isn't.

Interesting no mention of the potential for using other sites.

All that said at least it was a more positive statement from the club.

 

[Nick]

I think this is the bit in the FOI's that they are relying on.
View attachment 5425

But wasn't there a follow up email (which others have referred to previously) explaining about the netball courts and how CCFC use the area until their user agreement runs out

I do wish they would stop referring to it as a lease - it wasn't and isn't.

Interesting no mention of the potential for using other sites.

All that said at least it was a more positive statement from the club.

I think the issue is more about after the agreement isn't it?

To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

Why would CSF not want to just put the details into a letter / email and see this is what is on offer at this rate? Unless of course they know full well what they can offer won't be enough and the moment they have put it in writing it shows that?

From a CSF / Wasps perspective I'd want to "end the chapter", so surely they just put in writing what can be offered (if they also have the current schedule too) and say what's possible and what isn't?

 

[skybluetony176]

"Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."

Probably could have got that information at the arranged meeting that Chris Anderson wouldn't attend.

This is all the same silly bugger game playing that led us to not bidding for the Ricoh when others would. It's only right then that the same result will follow.

Still, I'm sure they'll be a few on here willing to help SISU play the victim like last time.

I'd say that they're doing the same things expecting different results but on this occasion I think it's pretty obvious that unlike last time they'll be getting the result that they want.

 

[Captain Dart]

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

I suggest the club goes and finds them in the open market.

 

[oldskyblue58]

Sure they could put it in writing Nick, to be honest though there was no need for all this palava was there from either side. It does look like it is back to the Ricoh dispute days of newspaper negotiation.

As far as Wasps input is concerned, they have said the indoor pitch would be available 5 nights per week which is what the Club have asked for. - SORTED

The all weather pitch is still their and available so that ticks a box for the club. - SORTED

That leaves offices classrooms etc plus the grass pitches.

Grass pitches during the day 2 to 2.5, I thnk that means another site as only 1.5 available or a long term commitment by CCFC to being there encouraging another pitch being laid (there is room from what I have seen)

Grass pitches at the weekend, well there are the above and I know two at Ryton not used at weekends,

Classrooms etc - I doubt all will disappear so some will need to be made up. Perhaps basing part of the Academy at Warwick Uni could work and provide accommodation and some pitches.

Really isn't that difficult is it ....................... heads together bang

 

[Nick]

"Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."

Probably could have got that information at the arranged meeting that Chris Anderson wouldn't attend.

This is all the same silly bugger game playing that led us to not bidding for the Ricoh when others would. It's only right then that the same result will follow.

Still, I'm sure they'll be a few on here willing to help SISU play the victim like last time.

I'd say that they're doing the same things expecting different results but on this occasion I think it's pretty obvious that unlike last time they'll be getting the result that they want.

Surely the reason he wouldnt attend is probably something like why CSF won't chuck it in an email and send it over?

 

[armybike]

I think this is the bit in the FOI's that they are relying on.

Thanks for that - taking the statement from CCFC into account I'd thought specific reference had been made to the Academy.

I've made contact with the Planning Officer to clarify -

"Proposed extension to AHC and CCFC Academy

App Ref: FUL/2016/1458
Site: Allard Way Coventry CV3 1HW
Proposal: Extension to the Alan Higgs Centre


Mr Russell,

With regards the proposed development of the Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry City Football Club have today released a statement which includes the following -

"We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy."

The link to the statement is - http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/...club-statement-alan-higgs-centre-3201107.aspx

Can you please confirm if such a written proposal has been requested by Coventry City planners and if so can a copy of this document please be forwarded for my attention in response to this correspondence.

Your assistance regarding this request would be greatly appreciated."

 

[Nick]

Sure they could put it in writing Nick, to be honest though there was no need for all this palava was there from either side. It does look like it is back to the Ricoh dispute days of newspaper negotiation.

As far as Wasps input is concerned, they have said the indoor pitch would be available 5 nights per week which is what the Club have asked for. - SORTED

The all weather pitch is still their and available so that ticks a box for the club. - SORTED

That leaves offices classrooms etc plus the grass pitches.

Grass pitches during the day 2 to 2.5, I thnk that means another site as only 1.5 available or a long term commitment by CCFC to being there encouraging another pitch being laid (there is room from what I have seen)

Grass pitches at the weekend, well there are the above and I know two at Ryton not used at weekends,

Classrooms etc - I doubt all will disappear so some will need to be made up. Perhaps basing part of the Academy at Warwick Uni could work and provide accommodation and some pitches.

Really isn't that difficult is it ....................... heads together bang

So why wouldn't they just put it in an email?

There is certainly more to it, otherwise they wouldn't keep insisting on text messaging or meeting face to face and would just put it in an email and give a copy to the telegraph / trust.

 

[armybike]

Surely the reason he wouldnt attend is probably something like why CSF won't chuck it in an email and send it over?

Do CSF stand to lose out from this situation?

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

 

[Nick]

Do CSF stand to lose out from this situation?

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

Maybe he has an idea why they aren't willing to send it over in writing?

They said themselves at the start that the Academy wouldn't be able to exist once everything is done.

 

[oldskyblue58]

Trouble is neither side sees there being any form of partnership because of what has, and is going on under present and past ownerships

Problem for CCFC is there are two essential capital items that they need access to but they have engendered no goodwill with which they can trade. They are in no position to make demands, and like it or not have to swallow that and act accordingly

The only way it all changes is a fundamental change in attitude, may be some humility all round instead of dick waving, or new CCFC owners. But it is clear who is in the driving seat in all this and it is not CCFC.

I know I keep saying it but it still comes back to making positive relationships and partnerships between decision makers, and not childish posturing

 

[armybike]

Maybe he has an idea why they aren't willing to send it over in writing?

They said themselves at the start that the Academy wouldn't be able to exist once everything is done.

So you've quoted my questions but haven't answered them.

So -

Do CSF stand to lose out from this situation?

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

 

[Nick]

Trouble is neither side sees there being any form of partnership because of what has, and is going on under present and past ownerships

Problem for CCFC is there are two essential capital items that they need access to but they have engendered no goodwill with which they can trade. They are in no position to make demands, and like it or not have to swallow that and act accordingly

The only way it all changes is a fundamental change in attitude, may be some humility all round instead of dick waving, or new CCFC owners. But it is clear who is in the driving seat in all this and it is not CCFC.

I know I keep saying it but it still comes back to making positive relationships and partnerships between decision makers, and not childish posturing

Surely asking for what is on offer / is possible in writing is quite standard in business?

While of course there can be meetings face to face, what's the reason for not meeting face to face? Surely CSF / Wasps sending a letter with everything that is on offer would take them minutes and would call the bluff even more. Especially as CA has said from the start about it being in writing first.

 

[Nick]

So you've quoted my questions but haven't answered them.

So -

Do CSF stand to lose out from this situation?

What have CCFC actually done proactively to keep the Academy?

CSF won't lose out, I don't think they want CCFC there.

My opinion is that it is just a PR thing and they have sucked the trust in again. Just my opinion and I am not claiming it as fact.

CCFC have sent over the schedules and have asked what would be available after the agreement expires, it is surely the way most would do it isn't it?*

*They say they have, whether they actually have or not can be questioned and I am sure if they havent it will come out shortly.

 

[albatross]

"Coventry City FC Club Statement: Alan Higgs Centre

Fri 22 Jul 2016 16:53

The club provide an update on the progression of the Academy's residence at the Alan Higgs Centre...

Coventry City Youth Academy is one of the country's best Category 2 academies with a long history of training some of Coventry’s most famous athletes.

In 2015, the Academy was ranked 5th out of the 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs in terms of providing a pathway for young athletes to reach the professional game. It is Coventry's site for developing players from grassroots all the way through to elite competition.

The Alan Higgs Centre has been the home of CCFC's Academy for over a decade. We havepreviously stated our opposition to plans by Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF), the operators of the Higgs Centre, to invite Wasps RFC to move their training base to the Alan Higgs Centre and thereby potentially displacing Coventry's youngest and most promising footballers. The club were therefore pleased to hear that CSF and Wasps would be open to working with the football club on finding a solution to safeguard the future of the Academy and its Category II EPPP status.

We are aware that Coventry Council planners have also noted the absence of any proposal for the football Academy in Wasps' planning application and have since sought written proposals from Wasps for the football academy. To lay the groundwork for a fruitful dialogue amongst all parties, the club have therefore requested that CSF provide us with information about the availability of facilities once our lease expires at the site in 2017.

While the requirements mandated by the Premier League auditing process go beyond what is detailed below, at a minimum, the Academy will need guaranteed, unrestricted access to facilities such as:

• 3 grass pitches on weekends and 2-2.5 grass pitches on weekdays
• An outdoor 3G pitch 5 nights a week
• An indoor pitch 5 nights a week
• All current office and classroom space, along with dressing rooms, etc.

To explain more fully the club’s usage needs (i.e., specific hours that would be required during different times of the day, week, year), we have also provided CSF with the Academy’s Higgs Centre usage schedule.

Despite repeated requests for this information over a period of more than a month, CSF have yet to confirm that any of the facilities, or which parts of the facilities, would be available and on what basis."


www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/coventry-city-fc-club-statement-alan-higgs-centre-3201107.aspx

What total a total Horse shit waste of time that statement was. If they invested as much time talking to the other side as to producing weak "look behind you statements" then there may be some progress.

Can anybody on here say that if any member of their team took this excuse to their boss that they would remain calm and accept it? Oh that critical issue we need to sort out well they offered a meeting top discuss it but I cancelled at the last minute because that had not given it all to me beforehand? In any form of business most things are sorted face to face
followed by the paperwork...... They dont want to fund it

Snake oil merchants!