Statement by Councillor Ann Lucas (6 Viewers)

[chickentikkamasala]

Coventry City Council

Wednesday 30 October 2013
Coventry City Council Leader Cllr Ann Lucas has today issued a statement on the Sky Blues and the Ricoh Arena.
I am responding to the article in the Coventry Telegraph of 30 October 2013 headlined 'Coventry city owners invite Council to talks over Sky Blues returning to Ricoh Arena', and a statement issued by Coventry City Football Club.

Let me deal with areas of agreement first of all. Coventry City Football Club is absolutely right that we should try to avoid 'tit for tat' press releases. I do not wish to be secretive where there is no need for secrecy. I would rather be open and I recognise that openness and transparency are important to everyone involved in this issue. However, there are issues of commercial sensitivity and on-going legal issues that make it impossible to comment fully on every issue that is raised by every party in this dispute.
That said, and to paraphrase the words of the Coventry City Football Club statement, let me cut through the spin and focus on the specifics and put everyone in the picture.
One. The statement that I made to the Full Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday 22 October was not 'rushed out' following the demonstration by fans outside the Council House. I had been considering making a statement to Council about these issues for some two or more weeks beforehand, and had discussed doing so with my closest political colleagues. I recognise that the demonstration by fans outside the Council House on Tuesday 22 October was important to them, and I and my fellow councillors are extremely mindful of their concerns. But it is ridiculous to suggest that I rushed out a statement because of their presence or their petition. If I responded in that manner, I would be making a statement on every issue of contention at every Full Council meeting.

Two. The statement was not drafted by ACL's London-based PR Consultants. It is a lie to suggest that it was drafted by them. The statement was my words and my words alone. The statement was checked for factual inaccuracy and to ensure that nothing within it was defamatory by council officers. I will have to disagree with Coventry City Football Club as to whether or not it contained more generalisations than specific action points.

Three. For those who missed it, I attach a copy of my original statement in full.

Four. It is public knowledge I have written to Joy Seppala, inviting her to meet with me. She has not done so. She has given a personal interview to the Coventry Telegraph about this issue but she has been unprepared to meet with me. My offer to meet with her remains open. If she wishes to meet with me then she should contact my office to make arrangements to do so. I am prepared to meet with her privately if she is prepared to enter into a constructive, meaningful and mature discussion about the Ricoh Arena. I am not prepared to enter into an adversarial or confrontational discussion which would achieve nothing. Time is running out. If Joy Seppala is serious about wanting to discuss a possible deal, then we need to talk soon. This is something else I agree with the football club about. There will be a point, in the very near future, where we will be overtaken by events, not least the outcome of Sisu's renewed Application to the High Court for Judicial Review which is listed for 28 November.

Five. My statement to Full Council on Tuesday 22 October confirms that all options are available for discussion. I am prepared to discuss, subject to contract, and without prejudice to the on-going court case, the issue of stadium ownership with Joy Seppala just as I have been prepared to discuss stadium ownership with other interested third parties in the past. The difference is they came to meet with me, whereas I have yet to meet with Joy Seppala. If Joy Seppala does not wish to meet with me at the Council House, then I am prepared to meet with her at another mutually agreed neutral venue. But I remind everyone, it takes two to tango!

Six. The statement from Coventry City Football Club contains another wholly factual inaccuracy. It states:
"We believe that Councillor Lucas' predecessor as Leader, Councillor John Mutton, met with her very recently to confirm that he had been prepared to discuss stadium ownership with other parties and urged her to negotiate with us."
I have not met with Councillor Mutton to discuss the issue of stadium ownership with other parties, nor has he urged me to negotiate with Coventry City Football Club, nor Sisu/Otium. I am sure that Councillor Mutton will be prepared to confirm the wholly erroneous nature of this part of the statement issued by Coventry City Football Club.

Seven. The statement by Coventry City Football Club states "there is never any legal bar on the truth". Again, I agree with Coventry City Football Club on that point so I ask why their statement claims:
"..and we'd still like to know the real reason why Councillor Lucas authorised ACL's rejection of the CVA which cost "my beloved Sky Blues" another ten points."
That statement suggests that I authorised ACL's rejection of the CVA. That is untrue. The decision to reject the CVA was made by the Board of ACL. Neither I nor any other councillor serves on that board. To claim, as Coventry City Football Club did, that I authorised the refusal of the CVA credits me with an authority and a power that I did not and do not possess. I am aware that ACL took the position it did on the CVA to persuade the club to come back to the Ricoh Arena as a condition of accepting the CVA and accept a rental offer of £150,000 a year. Unfortunately the club did not want to accept the offer. I suppose it is too much to expect the humility of an apology from Coventry City Football Club for such a misleading statement?

To summarise, I am disappointed but not surprised by the inaccuracies within the statement issued by Coventry City Football Club.
I am disappointed but not surprised by the personal nature of the attack upon me by Coventry City Football Club. I can reassure the football club and its fans that it will not stop me doing what I believe to be right for the city, for the Ricoh Arena, and for the football club.
I am disappointed but not surprised that Joy Seppala has not yet met with me. I cannot understand why she is so fearful or reluctant to do so because I had hoped that we might develop a professional working relationship that would be to the benefit of all parties concerned.
So for one last time, I say, quite clearly, that I am prepared to meet with Joy Seppala and to have a discussion with her without prejudice and subject to contract in relation to all and any issues in relation to the Ricoh Arena, the land around it, and Coventry City Football Club.
But let me be clear, the clock is ticking and time is moving on. I will not lead the Council into a state of paralysis around this issue. Difficult times call for difficult decisions. If this matter cannot be resolved by the turn of the year, then I and all of my colleagues on the Labour Group on Coventry City Council will look to put in place a process which ensures the best possible deal for the people of Coventry in relation to the Ricoh Arena.

http://www.coventry.gov.uk/news/art...lor_ann_lucas_leader_of_coventry_city_council

 

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[torchomatic]

Ah well. We're buggered then.

It seems both sides are titting and tatting. Meanwhile us lot are stuck in the middle.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

It seems both sides are titting and tatting.

While saying they aren't!

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Well said ann

 

[torchomatic]

Ha! Yeah.

While saying they aren't!

 

[duffer]

Ah well. We're buggered then.

It seems both sides are titting and tatting. Meanwhile us lot are stuck in the middle.

Interesting - maybe it's just me, but I think that's a reasonably positive statement again. The door isn't closed.

As for the tit-for-tat, you can hardly blame either side if the public statements of the other contain what they feel are factual inaccuracies. But read it again...

"I am prepared to discuss, subject to contract, and without prejudice to the on-going court case, the issue of stadium ownership with Joy Seppala "

Isn't that what SISU are asking for?

I still don't see how a deal can be struck until the JR is either resolved or withdrawn though, fwiw.

 

[skybluejelly]

I am sure the council will say they are tat for titting...not tit for tatting..

They are both 100 percent as bad as each other...

 

[Sky blue north east]

And here we go again for more "my dads bigger than your dad" round and round in circles yet again and some people really believe this will get sorted out probably not in my lifetime!!!!!

 

[The Reverend Skyblue]

She is hopping mad about all those inaccuracies in CCFC's statement
Oh dear, what will become of the club

 

[sw88]

So Joy wants to meet Anne, and Anne wants to meet Joy. So which one is lying, as if it were true, the meeting have been undertaken a long time ago!

Only thing Cllr Lucas fails to say is 'the club hold it against me for boycotting the games wen we signed Marlon!'.

I'm not surprised to see a statement in response to a statement. I just wish Joy would visit the council house, the two of them be locked In a room, and not let out until the deal is done. Or until one finishes the other of in a cat fight. At least they can say 'we tried'.

Interesting point that she sets the new year deadline. If, let's say Otium came forward in March next year prepared for serious talks (unlikely, I know), are the council going to say 'you had your chance?'

 

[covcity4life]

for fuck sake

whya re sisus statements so fucking childish, they must have known they would get a twat reply like this?

both sides are childish,all fuckkkkkk off im driving home.

 

[duffer]

Jesus - talk about damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

What would you have Ann Lucas say?

If she says nothing then there'll be fifty fans with placards outside the council house again, and Les will seemingly be very, very unhappy.

 

[kmj5000]

A honest statement that puts things into perspective? One thing that is true, AL has asked JS on several occasions to come and talk to her about the future of the Ricoh and, it seems, she has received no response!

It's your last chance Joy!

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

Jesus - talk about damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

What would you have Ann Lucas say?

If she says nothing then there'll be fifty fans with placards outside the council house again, and Les will seemingly be very, very unhappy.

This is funny considering the reaction to SISUs statement

 

[DazzleTommyDazzle]

Jesus - talk about damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

What would you have Ann Lucas say?

If she says nothing then there'll be fifty fans with placards outside the council house again, and Les will seemingly be very, very unhappy.

I'd prefer that she's said a little less i.e. just stuck to the "I'm prepared to talk without pre-conditions", rather than pointing out all SISU's "inaccuracies".

Although, being fair, had she done that, then no doubt some on here would have been back on the "SISU said it, she didn't deny it, so it must be true" kick.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

I'd prefer that she's said a little less i.e. just stuck to the "I'm prepared to talk without pre-conditions", rather than pointing out all SISU's "inaccuracies".

Although, being fair, had she done that, then no doubt some on here would have been back on the "SISU said it, she didn't deny it, so it must be true" kick.

Frankly I'd rather one of them actually rang the other, rather than keep saying 'we're here waiting for your call'!

 

[Godiva]

Ah well. We're buggered then.

It seems both sides are titting and tatting. Meanwhile us lot are stuck in the middle.

I am blessed to know very little about the practice of politics - to be honest most I know is from 'House of Cards' (what a TV series that was!!!).
But when I read the clubs statement earlier I wondered why it had to include all the non-essential stuff from the drawers of 'he said -she said'.
And the response is just down that alley.
Why not simply state: We would like a formel discussion if possble about purchasing the freehold (still can't figure out why they don't want ACL) - would the Councillar maybe agree to such a meeting?
And why not simply reply: Yes, certainly - whenever, whereever you want.

Both statements oozes of being written by PR people with no connection to real life or the problems on table and the fans of the football club.

One could easily think they were both written by the same person.
'You might very well think that, but I can't possible comment' (for those who remember Ian Richardson as F.U.)

 

[DazzleTommyDazzle]

Frankly I'd rather one of them actually rang the other, rather than keep saying 'we're here waiting for your call'!

You are Maureen aren't you!!!

 

[DazzleTommyDazzle]

I am blessed to know very little about the practice of politics - to be honest most I know is from 'House of Cards' (what a TV series that was!!!).
But when I read the clubs statement earlier I wondered why it had to include all the non-essential stuff from the drawers of 'he said -she said'.
And the response is just down that alley.
Why not simply state: We would like a formel discussion if possble about purchasing the freehold (still can't figure out why they don't want ACL) - would the Councillar maybe agree to such a meeting?
And why not simply reply: Yes, certainly - whenever, whereever you want.


Both statements oozes of being written by PR people with no connection to real life or the problems on table and the fans of the football club.

One could easily think they were both written by the same person.
'You might very well think that, but I can't possible comment' (for those who remember Ian Richardson as F.U.)

Classic series.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

You are Maureen aren't you!!!

Lionel Richie!

Seriously, it's all very well both sides saying hey'd love to speak to the other, but it's not exactly hard to find either of them is it?

 

[skybluetony176]

i think sh1tsu's statement tried to set the agenda for any possible meeting before approaching CCC for any such meeting. i think this statement by CCC has been issued to re-address that agenda.

i feel there is a lot more of this to come yet before any meeting takes place. i don't think we will be back this side of xmas anyway.

 

[covmark]

Can I release a statement, seems like everyone else has today.

Piss off the lot of you!!!

 

[shmmeee]

So noones actually got a point to make? No? Just throw around "ho ho they're all as bad as each other"

Really not sure what some people want the council to do. If it was me I'd have shut the door to Sisu a long time ago and moved on.

We've got the (4th?) clear request to meet. We've got a clear timescale for that meeting to happen. Oh but it doesn't include a price tag and it clearly calls the club out of some slanderous bullshit, so it must be tit for tat.

I just don't understand how you can look at the two statements and claim "they're as bad as each other"!? Where's the personal attacks? Where's the blame? Where's the refusal to talk? It's nothing like the clubs statement FFS. When will people realise they're unwavering support is being taken advantage of for no reason other than to feather the nest of a multimillionaire. You won't win a free season ticket for shouting "but the council" at every point.

 

[MichaelCCFC]

Ah well. We're buggered then.

It seems both sides are titting and tatting. Meanwhile us lot are stuck in the middle.

'Titting and tatting' - that's brilliant Torch! Mind if I use it in next kcic mailout (with suitable acknowledgement of course). A curse on all their houses...

 

[The Reverend Skyblue]

I have a statement on behalf of me,
I am very willing to drive my Astra, (you either love them or you don't) ,from Norfolk via central London to pick Joy up ,and then drive her down the motorway to Coventry Council offices to attend any meeting with Ann Lucas, at my own expense.I will not charge a penny, and I will even drive Joy back to London on my way back to Norfolk also free, I will also chuck in a visit to a Littlechef ,anything from the menu, if we can find one that hasn't closed
I am available any time and all I will need is two hours notice.

 

[covmark]

So noones actually got a point to make? No? Just throw around "ho ho they're all as bad as each other"

Really not sure what some people want the council to do. If it was me I'd have shut the door to Sisu a long time ago and moved on.

We've got the (4th?) clear request to meet. We've got a clear timescale for that meeting to happen. Oh but it doesn't include a price tag and it clearly calls the club out of some slanderous bullshit, so it must be tit for tat.

I just don't understand how you can look at the two statements and claim "they're as bad as each other"!? Where's the personal attacks? Where's the blame? Where's the refusal to talk? It's nothing like the clubs statement FFS. When will people realise they're unwavering support is being taken advantage of for no reason other than to feather the nest of a multimillionaire. You won't win a free season ticket for shouting "but the council" at every point.

I don't feel its the content that makes them as bad as each other, its the fact they keep releasing statement after statement.
Someone just pick up the pissing phone. It really is that simple!

 

[Deleted member 5849]

I have a statement on behalf of me,
I am very willing to drive my Astra, (you either love them or you don't) ,from Norfolk via central London to pick Joy up ,and then drive her down the motorway to Coventry Council offices to attend any meeting with Ann Lucas, at my own expense.I will not charge a penny, and I will even drive Joy back to London on my way back to Norfolk also free, I will also chuck in a visit to a Littlechef ,anything from the menu, if we can find one that hasn't closed
I am available any time and all I will need is two hours notice.

I'll throw in a pint, pub of joy's choice, and a slap up steak meal afterwards if it helps sweeten the deal!

 

[mullingar]

You're so right shmeee. Of course we're all so frustrated but it shouldn't blind us to the truth that SISU are a bunch of slippery snakes whose purpose is to make money for their shareholders and who have no long-term interest in the club or the city. Bullies we are stuck with at least for now.
As an aside I find it commendable that the management and players have stayed tight-lipped about the predicament they find themselves in.I wonder what the sanctions would be for any comments.

 

[asb]

I don't feel its the content that makes them as bad as each other, its the fact they keep releasing statement after statement.
Someone just pick up the pissing phone. It really is that simple!

One minute they are being quiet and not making a clear statement to the fans about what they are doing, next, they keep releasing statements.

Right I am off to protest outside the Council house.

Just made my reversible placards.

One side will read "talk to us" the other side will read "shut up"

 

[Sky Blue Kid]

@ The Reverend Skyblue............Be careful mate, she might demand that you give her your beloved Astra FOC.

 

[cochese]

I am aware that ACL took the position it did on the CVA to persuade the club to come back to the Ricoh Arena as a condition of accepting the CVA and accept a rental offer of £150,000 a year.

To persuade, that's an interesting way of putting it...

 

[Samo]

I have a statement on behalf of me,
I am very willing to drive my Astra, (you either love them or you don't) ,from Norfolk via central London to pick Joy up ,and then drive her down the motorway to Coventry Council offices to attend any meeting with Ann Lucas, at my own expense.I will not charge a penny, and I will even drive Joy back to London on my way back to Norfolk also free, I will also chuck in a visit to a Littlechef ,anything from the menu, if we can find one that hasn't closed
I am available any time and all I will need is two hours notice.

I don't drive but I'll give her a fookin piggy back if she'll talk!

 

[ccfc_Tom]

If sisu still want to hold ricoh talks then this further confirms they have no plans to build a stadium and have got nowhere with that proposed idea

 

[hill83]

The set of them might as well have a thread on here!

 

[diggerdaley]

£150,000 a year rent,I'm pretty sure the Ricoh will manage without that income,it seems cheap compared to Sixfields sh*thole.