Trust Statement (14 Viewers)

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

I can see why the council are fearful of the Wasps/Ricoh project failing, the Ricoh is a key part of the city now. Personally, and i'm basing this on 0 research, I am skeptical about a new stadium/arena being viable. However I am not in a position to realistically make that prediction and ideally those that are will actually give it the consideration it needs.

But this is why the council made the killer blow. Now the Ricoh has been sold, we’ll never be in control of our own destiny whilst there.

People praise Wasps because they needed to move or they’ll die - well same with us. If we want CCFC back where we want to be. We need our own Stadium. Whether the Ricoh remains viable and profitable is non of the clubs concern. They’re only responsible for themselves as others keep telling us

 

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[Nick]

Possibly because we all know SISU has zero intention of ever building one?

Which doesn't mean it isn't feasible and not needed then, does it?

 

[Captain Dart]

am i missing something because the full statement on the Trust Website is this

Following various statements this week it is now clear that nothing is going to change unless ALL parties involved in this saga are prepared to start acting in the best interest of Coventry City Football Club.
We therefore feel strongly that it is time to stop the "blame game" and get on with the business of saving OUR club.
We welcome SISU's willingness to withdraw their legal action although their conditions are far from straightforward.
We don’t believe that a new stadium is either needed or feasible. After six years of rhetoric about such a stadium we remain sceptical and believe that all parties should focus on a return to the Ricoh with CCFC working in partnership with Wasps.
However if that's their intention we would urge SISU to keep their word and to work with the Council and Wasps to bring this to fruition.
We therefore urge SISU to show they mean business by starting the process of withdrawing the legals.
Similarly we urge Wasps to show they mean business by sitting round the table to discuss a short term deal whilst the new proposed stadium is being constructed.
After all what do they have to lose by agreeing a deal in principle conditional upon the legals being dropped.
We also urge Coventry City Council to work with SISU in finding them suitable land, if available, in line with the local plan within Coventry and to assist with the planning process.
We now call for all those involved to cease the stubborn refusal to cooperate and urge all parties to set aside their historic antipathies and work together on a long term solution for the club and its long suffering supporters.
Be that a new stadium or long term deal at the Ricoh the future of this great club is in all of your hands - don't let us down. Work for one common goal in good faith, history will judge you

seems reasonable and demands things from each of the parties. Its a lot of the stuff asked for on this forum isnt it? They are allowed an opinion on the need/feasibility for a new stadium

That is what I read, the only real shortcoming in my view is perhaps the Trust should have said it would like Wasps to find a way to help CCFC gain additional revenue from their association that doesn't negatively impact their own business.

 

[Nick]

But this is why the council made the killer blow. Now the Ricoh has been sold, we’ll never be in control of our own destiny whilst there.

People praise Wasps because they needed to move or they’ll die - well same with us. If we want CCFC back where we want to be. We need our own Stadium. Whether the Ricoh remains viable and profitable is non of the clubs concern. They’re only responsible for themselves as others keep telling us

This is another key point, for months after Wasps moved it was "they had to else they would die" (even though they turned down the chance to move to London). Will it be the same if CCFC has to move 80 miles or die? Will the councillors be out telling people that? Will people from the Trust be justifying it to people?

 

[Razzle Dazzle Dean Gordon]

But this is why the council made the killer blow. Now the Ricoh has been sold, we’ll never be in control of our own destiny whilst there.

People praise Wasps because they needed to move or they’ll die - well same with us. If we want CCFC back where we want to be. We need our own Stadium. Whether the Ricoh remains viable and profitable is non of the clubs concern. They’re only responsible for themselves as others keep telling us

I suppose my point/fear is that just because it's none of CCFC's concern doesn't mean that it will attract the Council's support because they will be looking at the interests of the City as a whole (which wouldn't be served by a failed Ricoh, brought on by CCFC moving away). Hopefully i'm wrong, the parties can prove that it's viable and we end up with a proper home. I think the bigger problem is probably that the Joy Seppala Memorial Stadium will only ever get built if SISU can get somebody else to pay for it.

 

[chiefdave]

Possibly because we all know SISU has zero intention of ever building one?

With a bit of luck SISU won't be our owners for the remainder of our existence.

 

[Nick]

I suppose my point/fear is that just because it's none of CCFC's concern doesn't mean that it will attract the Council's support because they will be looking at the interests of the City as a whole (which wouldn't be served by a failed Ricoh, brought on by CCFC moving away). Hopefully i'm wrong, the parties can prove that it's viable and we end up with a proper home. I think the bigger problem is probably that the Joy Seppala Memorial Stadium will only ever get built if SISU can get somebody else to pay for it.

The council had no issue with the guarantees from Wasps building things on the basis of others paying for it though? The Higgs has already fallen through.

Would the Ricoh fail if CCFC moved away? Surely again that should have been thought of before selling it to Wasps?

What happens if by a masterstroke of luck we get somebody willing to buy us on the condition they can build a new stadium? "Sorry, no. There is the Ricoh only"

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

This is another key point, for months after Wasps moved it was "they had to else they would die" (even though they turned down the chance to move to London). Will it be the same if CCFC has to move 80 miles or die? Will the councillors be out telling people that? Will people from the Trust be justifying it to people?

Then this is where what deal wasps offer us needs to be made public.

If they’ve turned round and said 150k per season, assist maintenance costs - in exchange for football revenue and a share of the naming rights - then this is reasonable, the club can’t fuck off

If however it they say 1.2 million plus maintenance costs - no income then the club have to look elsewhere. No doubt the trust and council will say “its wasps stadium and they can’t do it any lower - bad SISU”

 

[RoboCCFC90]

am i missing something because the full statement on the Trust Website is this

Following various statements this week it is now clear that nothing is going to change unless ALL parties involved in this saga are prepared to start acting in the best interest of Coventry City Football Club.
We therefore feel strongly that it is time to stop the "blame game" and get on with the business of saving OUR club.
We welcome SISU's willingness to withdraw their legal action although their conditions are far from straightforward.
We don’t believe that a new stadium is either needed or feasible. After six years of rhetoric about such a stadium we remain sceptical and believe that all parties should focus on a return to the Ricoh with CCFC working in partnership with Wasps.
However if that's their intention we would urge SISU to keep their word and to work with the Council and Wasps to bring this to fruition.
We therefore urge SISU to show they mean business by starting the process of withdrawing the legals.
Similarly we urge Wasps to show they mean business by sitting round the table to discuss a short term deal whilst the new proposed stadium is being constructed.
After all what do they have to lose by agreeing a deal in principle conditional upon the legals being dropped.
We also urge Coventry City Council to work with SISU in finding them suitable land, if available, in line with the local plan within Coventry and to assist with the planning process.
We now call for all those involved to cease the stubborn refusal to cooperate and urge all parties to set aside their historic antipathies and work together on a long term solution for the club and its long suffering supporters.
Be that a new stadium or long term deal at the Ricoh the future of this great club is in all of your hands - don't let us down. Work for one common goal in good faith, history will judge you

seems reasonable and demands things from each of the parties. Its a lot of the stuff asked for on this forum isnt it? They are allowed an opinion on the need/feasibility for a new stadium

Unbelievable..

Sometimes it's better not to say anything at all.

 

[MTK]

The Club needs it’s own stadium and the income generated to survive and flourish and I’d happily move to a new one in Coventry if it was built. I can’t help being sceptical that it will be though, despite SISU’s recent statement which, as an olive branch, is very welcome.

Building a new stadium is an entirely commercial decision by SISU isn’t it? It’s not like it’s being built by a new consortium owning the club, driven in part by a love of it who might be prepared to invest some money knowing they may not get it all back. Or a supportive Council thinking it will create jobs, bring in visitors to spend money elsewhere etc. SISU will surely want to make good money from it to get a full return on their investment.

Is there such a sound commercial basis for a new ‘CCFC arena’ in Coventry? With the Ricoh already here. An improved Butts Park on the horizon. Plus Planet Ice (limited alternative uses but it could be covered over at they do at the Motorpoint in Nottm). Something would have to make a new CFFC arena in Coventry a good investment, like conference, hotel or retail space. Here again though, is the case for that strong enough for SISU with the Jaguar exhibition space at the Ricoh, the NEC, Bull ring shops etc to compete nearby. Dare I mention more student housing, but that could provide the commercial case for it.

Can’t help being sceptical that the talk of a new stadium is a negotiating tactic rather than a realistic prospect. A good partnership at the Ricoh that benefits WASPS and CCFC seems the ideal solution all round but given the bad divorce like history, equally unrealistic a propspect. Thoroughly depressed myself now!

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

The Club needs it’s own stadium and the income generated to survive and flourish and I’d happily move to a new one in Coventry if it was built. I can’t help being sceptical that it will be though, despite SISU’s recent statement which, as an olive branch, is very welcome.

Building a new stadium is an entirely commercial decision by SISU isn’t it? It’s not like it’s being built by a new consortium owning the club, driven in part by a love of it who might be prepared to invest some money knowing they may not get it all back. Or a supportive Council thinking it will create jobs, bring in visitors to spend money elsewhere etc. SISU will surely want to make good money from it to get a full return on their investment.

Is there such a sound commercial basis for a new ‘CCFC arena’ in Coventry? With the Ricoh already here. An improved Butts Park on the horizon. Plus Planet Ice (limited alternative uses but it could be covered over at they do at the Motorpoint in Nottm). Something would have to make a new CFFC arena in Coventry a good investment, like conference, hotel or retail space. Here again though, is the case for that strong enough for SISU with the Jaguar exhibition space at the Ricoh, the NEC, Bull ring shops etc to compete nearby. Dare I mention more student housing, but that could provide the commercial case for it.

Can’t help being sceptical that the talk of a new stadium is a negotiating tactic rather than a realistic prospect. A good partnership at the Ricoh that benefits WASPS and CCFC seems the ideal solution all round but given the bad divorce like history, equally unrealistic a propspect. Thoroughly depressed myself now!

Problem is we’d need at least 50% and wasps aren’t going to sell that for a reasonable amount.

A new stadium is the only way forward

 

[The Reverend Skyblue]

I'm bloody sick of the Trust and even though I sent them a quid when they started I will be writing to them, if they have an address, to withdraw my membership of this self-interested, pro council, anti-football club group.
Do they realise the club doesn't have a bloody stadium, pitiful revenue streams at a stadium sold to a franchise rugby club that bought the stadium on incredibly generous terms, terms hugely more financially beneficial to those that were offered to the football club, for which the stadium was built for..
The ONLY way this football club has a future is to own their own stadium, how cannot everyone see this basic fact. Will/can SISU do this god only knows, but if Wasps stay long term, this club has to get from the Ricoh and build a stadium of its own, so every supporter should be behind this.

 

[Nick]

The Club needs it’s own stadium and the income generated to survive and flourish and I’d happily move to a new one in Coventry if it was built. I can’t help being sceptical that it will be though, despite SISU’s recent statement which, as an olive branch, is very welcome.

Building a new stadium is an entirely commercial decision by SISU isn’t it? It’s not like it’s being built by a new consortium owning the club, driven in part by a love of it who might be prepared to invest some money knowing they may not get it all back. Or a supportive Council thinking it will create jobs, bring in visitors to spend money elsewhere etc. SISU will surely want to make good money from it to get a full return on their investment.

Is there such a sound commercial basis for a new ‘CCFC arena’ in Coventry? With the Ricoh already here. An improved Butts Park on the horizon. Plus Planet Ice (limited alternative uses but it could be covered over at they do at the Motorpoint in Nottm). Something would have to make a new CFFC arena in Coventry a good investment, like conference, hotel or retail space. Here again though, is the case for that strong enough for SISU with the Jaguar exhibition space at the Ricoh, the NEC, Bull ring shops etc to compete nearby. Dare I mention more student housing, but that could provide the commercial case for it.

Can’t help being sceptical that the talk of a new stadium is a negotiating tactic rather than a realistic prospect. A good partnership at the Ricoh that benefits WASPS and CCFC seems the ideal solution all round but given the bad divorce like history, equally unrealistic a propspect. Thoroughly depressed myself now!

The new stadium more than likely is a negotiation tactic at the minute, the same as "dropping the legals is".

The thing is the Council and Wasps want them to drop their negotiation tactics before even opening the door for negotiations which won't happen and they know that full well.

 

[olderskyblue]

Which doesn't mean it isn't feasible and not needed then, does it?

If you're talking about the current parties involved, then why is it feasible and needed, if you know they will never build one? Right now, the logic surely has to be to getting an agreement for the Ricoh, right? Adding a new stadium and council objections into the argument just get in the way don't they?

Don't you think that just focussing on getting an agreement to continue at the Ricoh is the best way forward, right now?

 

[olderskyblue]

With a bit of luck SISU won't be our owners for the remainder of our existence.

And then the situation could/will be different, but this is now we are discussing.

 

[Nick]

And then the situation could/will be different, but this is now we are discussing.

So a stadium isn't needed now but if a new owner came in tomorrow it would be?

 

[Razzle Dazzle Dean Gordon]

The council had no issue with the guarantees from Wasps building things on the basis of others paying for it though? The Higgs has already fallen through.

Would the Ricoh fail if CCFC moved away? Surely again that should have been thought of before selling it to Wasps?

What happens if by a masterstroke of luck we get somebody willing to buy us on the condition they can build a new stadium? "Sorry, no. There is the Ricoh only"

Sorry what I meant by 'somebody else paying for it' was that SISU would want the reward without taking the risk. This is probably a bit flippant of me but they've consistently tried to get things on the cheap and it seems to have cost them. I also don't know the Ricoh would fail without CCFC, it quite possibly wouldn't but I am pretty skeptical about there being enough revenue in Coventry to support two 'Arena' type developments. If we did end up with a prospective new owner who wanted that then i'd hope the council would consider it (just as they should consider it now).

 

[olderskyblue]

So a stadium isn't needed now but if a new owner came in tomorrow it would be?

That would depend entirely on who any new owner is, and if they think it's needed and feasible. My point is, with SISU it isn't.

(unless they have a buyer lined up of course , who wants a new ground.... oooerr..)

 

[Nick]

That would depend entirely on who any new owner is, and if they think it's needed and feasible. My point is, with SISU it isn't.

(unless they have a buyer lined up of course , who wants a new ground.... oooerr..)

I think you might be confusing the words and their meanings.

If you are now saying it's down to the new owner to decide if it's needed or feasible, why are the Trust now deciding?

It's either needed or it isn't, I find the fact they put that bit in a bit weird. Hopefully CJ will clear it up though.

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

The other thing for me aswell that ccc are bit blind to seeing is if sisu do fund ccfc to build a new stadium it actually makes ccfc more ideal for any potential buyers to buy the club.

In my head ccc should say to sisu well provisionally grant you to build on a site for new stadium following sisu drop the court case. There needs be somebody in the middle make sure either side cant screw the other over that way forces sisu hand to build new stadium.

With a new stadium we run properly as a club and can be sold as a profit hopefully get sisu out and proper owners in its win win for everyone!

 

[chiefdave]

If you're talking about the current parties involved, then why is it feasible and needed, if you know they will never build one? Right now, the logic surely has to be to getting an agreement for the Ricoh, right? Adding a new stadium and council objections into the argument just get in the way don't they?

Alternatively they give everyone a way to back down from their entrenched positions.

SISU can say they are dropping the legals as they need the council onside for a new stadium

The council can say we will support any new stadium project and in the meantime it makes sense to stay at the Ricoh as its the only option

Wasps can say we appreciate the club needs their own stadium and that the Ricoh is the only stadium currently available so will agree a medium term deal

Everyone comes out of it looking good, or as good as can be expected from where we are now and if the legals are dropped to allow that to proceed can anyone see SISU sticking around for years to come?

Most importantly it would mean we have somewhere to play next season.

 

[fernandopartridge]

Did the Council get Wasps onboard with the Ricoh on the basis that they'd always have a paying tenant (and the visitors that tenant brings in)? Is that why the sequence of events was the way it was? I.e. that CCFC's return was prior to Wasps mid-season move to the Ricoh.

 

[chiefdave]

Did the Council get Wasps onboard with the Ricoh on the basis that they'd always have a paying tenant (and the visitors that tenant brings in)? Is that why the sequence of events was the way it was? I.e. that CCFC's return was prior to Wasps mid-season move to the Ricoh.

It certainly all seemed to happen in a rush so either something like that or the PR. Hard to imagine SISU were paying to improve the facilities at Northampton for the forthcoming season if they had any thought we wouldn't be there.

 

[Nick]

It certainly all seemed to happen in a rush so either something like that or the PR. Hard to imagine SISU were paying to improve the facilities at Northampton for the forthcoming season if they had any thought we wouldn't be there.

This is where all of the delusion from the fans blurs things all the time. While they were all saying "we brought the club home" because they boycotted and patting backs, they hadn't stopped to wonder why 2 or 3 games into the season CCFC suddenly moved back in a rush. It was literally as if they picked up their stuff and sprinted back to Coventry, let's not pretend they didn't check the books for a year and only then realised that the move was costing them money.

 

[eastwoodsdustman]

Fucking hell. I try to stay out of the politics threads but is there anyone at all in this whole sorry mess who isn't a self-serving c**t?

Tim Fisher apparently. He works for free.

 

[oldfiver]

I'm bloody sick of the Trust and even though I sent them a quid when they started I will be writing to them, if they have an address, to withdraw my membership of this self-interested, pro council, anti-football club group.
Do they realise the club doesn't have a bloody stadium, pitiful revenue streams at a stadium sold to a franchise rugby club that bought the stadium on incredibly generous terms, terms hugely more financially beneficial to those that were offered to the football club, for which the stadium was built for..
The ONLY way this football club has a future is to own their own stadium, how cannot everyone see this basic fact. Will/can SISU do this god only knows but this club has to get from the Ricoh and build a stadium of its own, so every supporter should be behind this fact.

Sky Blue Supporters Initiative Limited
Sapphire Louvres,
Unit 21, Harrow Brook Road,
Hinckley,
Leicestershire,
LE10 3DJ

Spot the irony !

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Did the Council get Wasps onboard with the Ricoh on the basis that they'd always have a paying tenant (and the visitors that tenant brings in)? Is that why the sequence of events was the way it was? I.e. that CCFC's return was prior to Wasps mid-season move to the Ricoh.

tbh, I'd be deeply suspicious of SISU's claim they didn't know the deal was happening. The move back always looked like hurtling back in an attenmpt to either claim squatter's rights and stop Wasps buying it, or to try and raise the value with CCFC there again as tenant, to make it unviable as a purchase.

 

[Limey]

The Trusts statements in general have always been aimed at sisu which over the last couple weeks a lot have found frustrating. There also wasn't any noise when the Ricoh was sold iirc.

They are of course acting with City's best interest at heart and CJ et al spend a lot of time and effort with the protests etc which doesn't go unappreciated.

The latest statement in particular about not needing a stadium makes you wonder what they know that we don't. Is there a Ricoh deal to be had with wasps? Do they know details of the Ricoh sale conditions/agreement?

 

[shmmeee]

Why is a stadium not needed when the football club doesn't have a stadium? How does the trust deduce that?

Quite. By the clubs own words we can’t afford the Ricoh. We need a new ground or we need promotion so we can afford to rent this one.

 

[fernandopartridge]

tbh, I'd be deeply suspicious of SISU's claim they didn't know the deal was happening. The move back always looked like hurtling back in an attenmpt to either claim squatter's rights and stop Wasps buying it, or to try and raise the value with CCFC there again as tenant, to make it unviable as a purchase.

Hmmm, the first bit I possibly agree with, they might have known. The second bit doesn't make any sense.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Hmmm, the first bit I possibly agree with, they might have known. The second bit doesn't make any sense.

It was definitely occupying it in some kind of effort to show they still had the option to buy, or something similar.

 

[Liquid Gold]

The Trusts statements in general have always been aimed at sisu which over the last couple weeks a lot have found frustrating. There also wasn't any noise when the Ricoh was sold iirc.

They are of course acting with City's best interest at heart and CJ et al spend a lot of time and effort with the protests etc which doesn't go unappreciated.

The latest statement in particular about not needing a stadium makes you wonder what they know that we don't. Is there a Ricoh deal to be had with wasps? Do they know details of the Ricoh sale conditions/agreement?

Don't worry a phoenix club could play at the ricoh

 

[olderskyblue]

Alternatively they give everyone a way to back down from their entrenched positions.

SISU can say they are dropping the legals as they need the council onside for a new stadium

The council can say we will support any new stadium project and in the meantime it makes sense to stay at the Ricoh as its the only option

Wasps can say we appreciate the club needs their own stadium and that the Ricoh is the only stadium currently available so will agree a medium term deal

Everyone comes out of it looking good, or as good as can be expected from where we are now and if the legals are dropped to allow that to proceed can anyone see SISU sticking around for years to come?

Most importantly it would mean we have somewhere to play next season.

And I don't totally disagree with this either. Giving everyone an "out" is not a bad strategy, but having things in a "negotiation" that everyone involved already know is BS, could just muddy the water, and cause it to fail. Of course, there is no one solution that we can say is the right one.

 

[Johnnythespider]

I'd love a new stadium, four stands rather than a bowl with 3 great spires built into 3 corners to represent the 3 spires of Coventry and the 4th left open and positioned to welcome the sunrise on the winter solstice, just because.

 

[Nick]

And I don't totally disagree with this either. Giving everyone an "out" is not a bad strategy, but having things in a "negotiation" that everyone involved already know is BS, could just muddy the water, and cause it to fail. Of course, there is no one solution that we can say is the right one.

So if it won't happen, during the negotiation then the value of that would be minimal wouldn't it?

Demanding one side drops everything before even discussing things for negotiation isn't going to happen. The Council know this full well.