The importance of having the interest of people of Coventry at the heart of any decision about the future ownership of ACL.• The commitment that any deal relating to the Ricoh Arena would not be approved unless the following three tests were satisfied
- A good deal for the City - financially yes it was, it got rid of a headache for them and they cashed in (short term viewpoint however)
- The security and future of Coventry City Football Club - Disregarded completely due to poor relationship with our owners, we sadly didn't help ourselves equally on this but again the decision was a short term viewpoint and not about the legacy of the club
- The security and future of Coventry Rugby Club - Going back to point 1, it was all about the benjamins.
- The need to ensure the continued regeneration in the North East of the City. - Maybe the new swimming pool and training facility ticks this box. Not sure how any decision would have done this fully however
- The long term commitment to the City given by Wasps, who are focussed on the success of their Club and were committed to delivering an ambitious programme for the community and to bringing more sport to Coventry. - I would say they have integrated into the city well with great PR.
- The expectation that the Ricoh Arena could now go from strength to strength, raising Coventry’s profile both nationally and internationally. Again it clearly can do this with or without CCFC there.
- The intention of Wasps to develop the Ricoh Arena as a conference centre plus a training facility in the future would benefit the City. See point 6.
How is that working out?
Nick, I think the major issue is really only with us as a club and the childish nature that both parties played out over the last 5 years. I genuinely feel that if we had a decent relationship that CCC would still have a stake in ACL rather than shipping it out.
The short term viewpoint of the council is the worry, they clearly see the opportunity to cash in and disregard any legacy of our football club, equally the Rugby team. SOLD OUT!!