I watched it.
Will try and paraphrase a few things. Please listen yourself and do not blame me for my poor hearing if you think I am putting words / ideas into their mouths.
It starts at 16:00 and lasts for about 30 minutes.
Well it started when he claimed...On second thoughts I don't have parliamentary privilege so will keep it a light commentary. [That is part joke, part truthful, not sure any claims were made that could place myself at risk by repeating them but I don't like the idea of the stripey hole]
Ainsworth - was critical of SISU, PA, and the FL. He asked that PA step aside. Talked about it being a land grab and had nothing to do with football. He suggested that the FL need to be clearer. He did mention the protest at the Council today
Marcus Jones - success comes from greater stake in the stadium, all sides need to get round the table.
Ainsworth - agrees but states that figure talked of by fans is £7 Million which is a derisory offer. Says that SISU needs to pay for the stadium not be given it.
Geoffrey Robinson - said it was nice that Bob Ainsworth was taking an interest in the club again after so long not being interested, and did he think attacking Joy Seppala was helping anything.
Bob Ainsworth - replied by saying that Geoffrey Robinson was in a position at one stage with the club that has lead to where we are now. Has no problem with Joy Seppala, just does not believe she should be allowed to land grab for the benefit of her investors. If she was to make a real offer for the Stadium he would welcome it. Asked what attracted such owners to the game. Time to look at the insolvency laws in football.
Jim Cunningham - Thanked BA for covering many of the issues. Talked about cleaning of the Gaswork site costing about £16 Million. Stated the Stadium was built to regenerate the whole area. Said that Baginton was considered for the stadium at one stage. but ruled out. Lots of sharp practice which he wished not to comment on. Important thing was getting the Club back to Coventry. Wants an independent mediator to get involved. Not Impressed with Paul Appleton. The Football league needs to do something about the problems with football governance, maybe the government needs to step in and get them to do something. Football League needs reform. Finished by saying that there is a civil war going on in Coventry over this issue.
Helen Grant [think it was her I missed the name] - Preservation of football teams is important, and, football governance is important to the government. Asking the government to contact the FL [could have been FA, wife talked at me] to act as a mediator. At a time when TV money, sponsorship, and supporter numbers are increasing, it is surprising that the number of insolvency instances are up as well. Talked about the problem of debt in the game. Football league needs credit for all the things they are doing to change things. Answered Ainsworth on the questions he raised about Appleton by telling him to discuss it with the Football League. Previous Minister for Sport and Tourism may have not sent letter to the Football League on the issues raised by Ainsworth and Cunningham, It may have been done in conversation instead, so there may not be any answers for them. The Football League is wanting to get club back to Coventry but they say it is in the hands of the owners and the administrator to solve.
She then talked on about debt and football but little that could be applied to the situation with Coventry.
Oh and she wished us luck tonight.
That was all really. I even sat through the debate on teacher training to listen to it, which was fun.
Please listen to the debate if you think I am wrong, then add to the discussion for others to see, not just tell me I am wrong.
