Questions for Waggott and Fisher at the Trust open meeting (1 Viewer)

[torchomatic]

But the contract was surely signed before the Wasps deal was known about - as has been mentioned somewhere or other. Surely, those kind of things should be discussed with the current tenant? Do you not agree? Or do you like to keep sidetracking so no questions are asked of ACL?

Surely if they need primacy it will be in the contract they've just singed with ACL? I think this kind of thing is distracting from the bigger issues. Is Fisher trying to sidetrack people by getting them whipped up about things that can easily be resolved (already been said tonight that Wasps have said they will play Sundays to keep Saturdays free and other clubs share without a problem), easier than having to answer questions about the new ground or why they aren't trying to buy the Ricoh.

 

---

[RoboCCFC90]

So to summarise tonight, John Fletcher believes that local sporting establishments CCFC and Cov Rugby would form a decent opposition to any Wasps to Ricoh plans, with support from the Sky Blue Trust, Mr Fletcher has also stated that the way this situation has been dealt with by the Council would have not happened in the yesteryear, CCFC are not sure whether and Groundshare with Wasps can work cohesively, The RFU are also allegedly comfortable with Wasps' bid to takeover the Ricoh and no indication that CCFC will make any bid for ACL.

 

[torchomatic]

I agree, but they would only have been met with a chorus of "it's all your own fault". The CT did it anyway.

Sisu should have made a statement the moment the Wasps talks were in the press.

They could have easily come out, shown their disappointment and asked these questions then as to what it meant for CCFC. They could have also very easily approached the Trust and the supporters group and John Fletcher, Les Reid or anyone they thought who might have put more meat on the bones.

Crazy.

 

[RoboCCFC90]

Did either of those get an answer from Fisher?

I can't see an answer directly to that question the next post from CJ after that was:

@CJ_covblaze: Fisher: We need to know how to manage if Wasps take over the ground. Can the pitch cope? Will our games take primacy?

 

[Otis]

I agree, but they would only have been met with a chorus of "it's all your own fault". The CT did it anyway.

Maybe, but surely you were as baffled as the rest of us with Joy's comments the other day?

The exact opposite of what we expected to hear.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Maybe, but surely you were as baffled as the rest of us with Joy's comments the other day?

The exact opposite of what we expected to hear.

Well no... probably exactly what we *expected* to hear.

Just not what we hoped...

Look at it another way however. People have had a gho at her for fighting the council and now... she isn't.

 

[torchomatic]

Yep, not what I expected to hear. And who knows, not what ACL expected to hear either.

But people can't have it both ways. Previously fans were writing to councillors asking them NOT to sell to the club and fans still do that now, so they're getting what they want at least. Not sure about the rest of us.

Maybe, but surely you were as baffled as the rest of us with Joy's comments the other day?

The exact opposite of what we expected to hear.

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

What's the current financial situation?

Fisher: Fixed costs are down from 12m. Club is cash flow positive. Probably for the first time ever.

This seems to have been overlooked but surely is fantastic news?


Also interesting points about CCFC teaming up with Cov rugby club to put in a bid, surely everyone in the city would back that compared to this travesty of a deal they are about to do with Wasps.

 

[Otis]

Yep, not what I expected to hear. And who knows, not what ACL expected to hear either.

But people can't have it both ways. Previously fans were writing to councillors asking them NOT to sell to the club and fans still do that now, so they're getting what they want at least. Not sure about the rest of us.

But now, in spite of what anyone thinks of Sisu, Coventry City must come first.

I just feel if Cov rugby had come out totally against this deal and CCFC had come out totally against this deal, we would have had a least a united front.

 

[Otis]

This seems to have been overlooked but surely is fantastic news?


Also interesting points about CCFC teaming up with Cov rugby club to put in a bid, surely everyone in the city would back that compared to this travesty of a deal they are about to do with Wasps.

It's the perfect solution. Then CCC can also re-develop the Butts Park Arena. Everyone's a winner.

 

[RoboCCFC90]

It's the perfect solution. Then CCC can also re-develop the Butts Park Arena. Everyone's a winner.

Other than the Wasps who are buzzing around..

 

[Otis]

Other than the Wasps who are buzzing around..

But if CCFC and CRFC bought the Ricoh then Wasps would have to buzz off elsewhere.

 

[Seaside-Skyblue]

I thought they were just going to write a letter showing dismay or requesting more information. Can't see a bid happening.

 

[RoboCCFC90]

But if CCFC and CRFC bought the Ricoh then Wasps would have to buzz off elsewhere.

The problem still remains:

- Would the Rugby Club want to Groundshare with the Sky Blues?
- Can both the Football Club and Cov Rugby manage the Ricoh Pitch situation and is it any different to the Club Groundsharing with the Wasps in that respect?
- Would the Football Club (Who have previously stated that they want sole ownership of their own Stadium) be willing to own 45% of the ACL along with the Rugby Club (45%) and Coventry City Council (10%)?

I am not sure to be honest Otis, however I'd prefer to see that then the Wasps move in.

 

[sky blue john]

The reason the club is in a cash flow positive is that are best players have been sold or released and replaced with lesser quality !

 

[RoboCCFC90]

I thought they were just going to write a letter showing dismay or requesting more information. Can't see a bid happening.

I can't foresee a reason why the Rugby Club would want to move out of the Butts to the Ricoh, yes it would oppose a deal for Wasps to move into the Ricoh potentially, but then so would CCFC making an offer to purchase the same percentage of ACL as the Wasps 'allegedly' have.

 

[Otis]

The problem still remains:

- Would the Rugby Club want to Groundshare with the Sky Blues?
- Can both the Football Club and Cov Rugby manage the Ricoh Pitch situation and is it any different to the Club Groundsharing with the Wasps in that respect?
- Would the Football Club (Who have previously stated that they want sole ownership of their own Stadium) be willing to own 45% of the ACL along with the Rugby Club (45%) and Coventry City Council (10%)?

I am not sure to be honest Otis, however I'd prefer to see that then the Wasps move in.

Would think Sisu's share would be greater than 45% to be honest. Think they would be the major shareholder in this. How rich are Cov? not very I would have thought.

Would think Sisu would have much richer clients in their investment portfolio.

 

[Otis]

I thought they were just going to write a letter showing dismay or requesting more information. Can't see a bid happening.

I don't quite think showing dismay is going to cut it. There needs to be an alternative to the Wasps proposal put forwards.

Sisu can start by saying they want to stay at the Ricoh.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Would think Sisu's share would be greater than 45% to be honest. Think they would be the major shareholder in this. How rich are Cov? not very I would have thought.

Would think Sisu would have much richer clients in their investment portfolio.

It'd be pretty farcical to have Cov Rugby in there atm too, tbh.

No disrespect to them as if they got higher there might be a case, but as it stands the size of crowds they get would be lost even more than we are.

 

[RoboCCFC90]

Would think Sisu's share would be greater than 45% to be honest. Think they would be the major shareholder in this. How rich are Cov? not very I would have thought.

Would think Sisu would have much richer clients in their investment portfolio.

Fair comment, however I used the percentages as a base example, we all know that the Football Club have previously stated that they are willing to build their own Stadium to "control" their own future, I would think one of the reasons they haven't already attempted to purchase ACL because not all of ACL is on the table, it's not a concrete fact, obviously it's speculation on my part, but I can't think of any reason why the Club wouldn't purchase ACL for £8M completely if there was an opportunity to do so.

 

[RoboCCFC90]

It'd be pretty farcical to have Cov Rugby in there atm too, tbh.

No disrespect to them as if they got higher there might be a case, but as it stands the size of crowds they get would be lost even more than we are.

I agree with that!

 

[Otis]

It'd be pretty farcical to have Cov Rugby in there atm too, tbh.

No disrespect to them as if they got higher there might be a case, but as it stands the size of crowds they get would be lost even more than we are.

CRFC could be part of the package though, with a view to the potential of moving if they attain the highest level. Aren't they the same as us, 2 divisions down from the top? Or is it 3?

 

[theferret]

CRFC could be part of the package though, with a view to the potential of moving if they attain the highest level. Aren't they the same as us, 2 divisions down from the top? Or is it 3?

3rd tier, which is a travesty for that club. Watched then as a kid when the team used to be full of England internationals. Attended a cup semi-final once where the gate was 12,000 - in Coundon Road. Now that was a squeeze.

 

[limoncello]

But now, in spite of what anyone thinks of Sisu, Coventry City must come first.

I just feel if Cov rugby had come out totally against this deal and CCFC had come out totally against this deal, we would have had a least a united front.

Maybe they were waiting for more information? Bit silly jumping to conclusions without all the info, eh?

 

[theferret]

Maybe they were waiting for more information? Bit silly jumping to conclusions without all the info, eh?

No information was forthcoming, and the deal is being rushed through tomorrow without any consultation. The horse has bolted. Cov RFC have been royally shafted.

 

[dongonzalos]

Did anyone ask. Why do wasps believe ACL is worth buying. When we argue it is not worth it?

 

[italiahorse]

Did anyone ask. Why do wasps believe ACL is worth buying. When we argue it is not worth it?

It is worth it, but if you want to buy it you don't say that to the seller.
In fact if your really clever move out the main tenant to try and lower it's value, then buy it cheap and move them back in.
Make sure you do your homework though just in case the business refinances and has other tenants.
Get it wrong and you may need to come back with your tail between your legs.
Get it really wrong and make other buyers aware. You may loose it all together.

 

[Jack Griffin]

I heard a rumour a couple of months ago about Cov Utd buying into the Butts, it came from one of their players, dont know how true that is, maybe having the rug pulled from under them also!

Heard it too.

 

[Jack Griffin]

So to summarise tonight, John Fletcher believes that local sporting establishments CCFC and Cov Rugby would form a decent opposition to any Wasps to Ricoh plans, with support from the Sky Blue Trust, Mr Fletcher has also stated that the way this situation has been dealt with by the Council would have not happened in the yesteryear, CCFC are not sure whether and Groundshare with Wasps can work cohesively, The RFU are also allegedly comfortable with Wasps' bid to takeover the Ricoh and no indication that CCFC will make any bid for ACL.

Well apart from the fact you've left out the bits about there being no answer about the 'new ground' when & where.
Confirmation that the playing budget has halved this season compared to last season.
Fisher now seemed to suggest that a new ground site inside Coventry boundary might be possible, a complete about turn to earlier statements & (in my mind) supporting the notion that there is no site yet.

Franky I found I could pick apart just about everything Fisher said..

 

[Jack Griffin]

I don't quite think showing dismay is going to cut it. There needs to be an alternative to the Wasps proposal put forwards.

Sisu can start by saying they want to stay at the Ricoh.

But we get mixed messages.. hardly inspires confidence does it!

 

[Warwickhunt]

SISU are far to passive and quiet about all this if you ask me

 

[Astute]

Totally agree with that, however I have seen many point out that the question "Well why can't CCFC stump up £30M?" But I just wanted to clarify that it's not quite as black and white as that.

The Club would need to stump up £8M IMO. However as I have said previously would they be willing to accept CCC obtaining 10% in ACL?

Why would they worry about CCC having a very minor shareholding? It wouldn't get them a major vote on anything. If anything they would enjoy the power they would have over CCC.

 

[Hobo]

Joy will probably try and use this Wasps purchase/sale in future litigation against CCC...trying to illustrate how CCC deliberately scuppered a deal with her and the whole world were against SISU. That is why she ain't opposing it or Wasps are SISUs Trojan Horse?

Fisher has come across as rather pathetic (again).

As for the profitable trading being good news, well we thought being debt free was good news didn't we?

What really annoys me is SISU had an opportunity to do a deal for the Ricoh and get it at a reasonable price and they totally fucked it up. Now we are looking at having to build a new stadium, at far greater cost, something the club and SISU can't afford to do!

 

[Astute]

Joy will probably try and use this Wasps purchase/sale in future litigation against CCC...trying to illustrate how CCC deliberately scuppered a deal with her and the whole world were against SISU. That is why she ain't opposing it or Wasps are SISUs Trojan Horse?

Fisher has come across as rather pathetic (again).

As for the profitable trading being good news, well we thought being debt free was good news didn't we?

What really annoys me is SISU had an opportunity to do a deal for the Ricoh and get it at a reasonable price and they totally fucked it up. Now we are looking at having to build a new stadium, at far greater cost, something the club and SISU can't afford to do!

There can't be any litigation if it goes through IMHO.

They have said that they don't want it. It has been proven in court that they didn't want it to go through previously.

They could still do a deal. They just don't want to. Or they have not got a pot to piss in. Which could be why they have brought us home on the rental agreement and sold whoever they could. And if this is the case they are fully at fault for losing endless millions by taking us to Northampton and on fruitless litigation.

 

[hill83]

Did we get an answer about the snooker break?