Now is the time ... (1 Viewer)

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 10, 2020

to be making it very clear to your councillor and the leader of the council just what it means to have our club playing back in the city.

If you’ve never engaged before please do now. Ccfc need to be playing in Coventry. We need to be selling season tickets as soon as possible. We need Wasps and Ccc and Ccfc and Sisu around a table discussing arrangements and making this possible.

Cllr Duggins email is George.Duggins@coventry.gov.uk

To find your councillors details please look here
Who's my Councillor? | Coventry City Council

We as Coventrians and Ccfc supporters have a voice and we need to be using it

We need to show that this City cares about its football team and expect our elected representatives to care as well. It’s not ok for them to do nothing and expect Sisu and Wasps to sort it out on their own!

As for Wasps they need to know that we are a welcoming city and people but if you don’t play ball and help our city’s football club then you can expect us to be unhappy and make our feelings known. We need to urge them to talk to Sisu and agree a commercial deal for us to play at the Ricoh from next season. Their key personnel are:

Derek Richardson
Nick Eastwood
Steven Vaughan
Stuart Cain

All their email addresses are the same

First name (full stop) surname@wasps.co.uk

It is so important that we are all professional and respectful and also that we use our own words and explain things in our own way. Explaining the impact on us and our families personally is very powerful. It’s also election time and so if you are a labour voter explaining that this issue is impacting who you may vote for depending on the response, may hit home.

The football is a huge plus and none of this is to get in the way of enjoying and celebrating what we’re achieving, this is to complement what we are doing in the pitch. In order for Ccfc to succeed we need to be playing in Coventry.

Joy Seppalla and Dave Boddy have (maybe for once) been very clear that they are happy to talk any time any place we now need to make sure that the Wasps and the Council prioritise this too

Get you emails sent and follow them up. The time is now!

shmmeee · Mar 10, 2020

Shame it’s come a little early for election season, West Mids Mayor and PCC also up this year and might want to make some noise. (Probably not PCC but still).

Skyblueweeman · Mar 10, 2020

I can't email Wasps due to my work and don't live locally so not sure me emailing an MP would have much sway. Good luck to those that do though and it'll be interesting to see if there's any replies and what they look like.

shmmeee · Mar 10, 2020

Skyblueweeman said:
I can't email Wasps due to my work and don't live locally so not sure me emailing an MP would have much sway. Good luck to those that do though and it'll be interesting to see if there's any replies and what they look like.

Just pick a councillor and say you live local. It’s not like they’ll check.

rhino1002 · Mar 10, 2020

Well done Pete, yet again

i have just sent a snotty email to Richardson and Eastwood
I dont suppose i will get a reply
not being a resident of Coventry i haven't sent anything to CCC

PUSB

Skyblueweeman · Mar 10, 2020

rhino1002 said:
Well done Pete, yet again

i have just sent a snotty email to Richardson and Eastwood
I dont suppose i will get a reply
not being a resident of Coventry i haven't sent anything to CCC

PUSB

Good work but did you overlook the professional and respectful bit?!

mark82 · Mar 10, 2020

Skyblueweeman said:
Good work but did you overlook the professional and respectful bit?!

Agree, it's important to keep any communication as professional and respectful as possible, otherwise you'll just be ignored. Try to keep things constructive.

rhino1002 · Mar 10, 2020

Skyblueweeman said:
Good work but did you overlook the professional and respectful bit?!

i wasn't rude i was just indignant that a club who had infiltrated this city felt it correct to try and blackmail us with this indemnity to cover any potential misdemeanours by the council

i also told them that i'd advised my son in law who wanted to buy a box for entertaining that he should not do so

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 11, 2020

Don’t know if they have been reading on here but Mark and I were hoping to meet Cllr Duggjns to discuss economic impact but mainly to encourage him to get wasps and Sisu to agree to meet. Just received details and the meeting is with the leader and deputy of both parties and the legal advisor.

Be good to go armed with lots of information about economic impact of ccfc not playing in Coventry

So please Coventrians email and explain professionally and respectfully what impact this has on you personally and if it does, professionally and encourage friends and family to do so too

AStonesThrow · Mar 11, 2020

Sky Blue Pete said:
Don’t know if they have been reading on here but Mark and I were hoping to meet Cllr Duggjns to discuss economic impact but mainly to encourage him to get wasps and Sisu to agree to meet. Just received details and the meeting is with the leader and deputy of both parties and the legal advisor.

Be good to go armed with lots of information about economic impact of ccfc not playing in Coventry

So please Coventrians email and explain professionally and respectfully what impact this has on you personally and if it does, professionally and encourage friends and family to do so too

Love the effort you’re putting in and the work you’re doing Pete. Forget Robins, get us back to the Ricoh and it should be a statue of you we’re commissioning. On behalf of myself, my sky blue mad kids, and all Coventry City fans; thank you for what you’re doing, amazing stuff

wingy · Mar 11, 2020

Great work you two.

lifeskyblue · Mar 11, 2020

I no longer live or work in Coventry but fully appreciate everything you are doing for our club, our fans and the city of Coventry. Although the only impact on me is a half hours further travel (each way) and reduction in times, on a Saturday, I pop in and visit mum I like almost everyone wants a return to the Ricoh or a mythical new stadium....IN COVENTRY

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shmmeee · Mar 11, 2020

Can we try and get something better than “Sisu need to sort it” from them as well? The economic impact is a good angle, but it seems wanting us back isn’t so much the issue as being willing to help Sisu build a ground even if they don’t think they should.

Would love a clear statement that either they will help (yay) or that they won’t (release the hounds)

chiefdave · Mar 11, 2020

shmmeee said:
Can we try and get something better than “Sisu need to sort it” from them as well?

Also if they're going to keep saying it is nothing to do with then can they release a clear statement saying that they have not asked for, nor do they require, Wasps to seek any indemnification on their behalf.

Should be easy enough for them to agree to and then at least we're moving forward a touch. Instead of indemnifying everyone it will be just Wasps. All helps in applying pressure.

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 11, 2020

shmmeee said:
Can we try and get something better than “Sisu need to sort it” from them as well? The economic impact is a good angle, but it seems wanting us back isn’t so much the issue as being willing to help Sisu build a ground even if they don’t think they should.

Would love a clear statement that either they will help (yay) or that they won’t (release the hounds)

Yep I see no reason why they cannot work towards a memorandum of understanding between ccfc and ccc. Irrespective of who the owner is but I live in cloud cuckoo land

usskyblue · Mar 11, 2020

Ask them if they are agreeable to a new stadium and if so, are they are assisting or prepared to assist.

If we are ever going to call SISU’s bluff on a new stadium we need to ascertain and assess the obstacles, if any.

Paxman II · Mar 11, 2020

I hate to say it but there is no obligation by WASP to offer the Ricoh to us is there? Would you offer your spare room to someone who simply said I used to live there, didn't buy it, now you have so can I rent a room?
I think it comes down to the nuts and bolts of the issue. I do recall something in WASP deal that the council had inserted a clause that the Ricoh be made available to the football club under reasonable conditions? You can argue SISU somewhat broke those conditions long ago.
It's far more a business decision for WASP, and while they appear to be surviving they are not prospering either. SISU have shown contrite in the last couple of years, putting much of their house in order at the football club. Can they convince WASP they want to continue on those lines and to the benefit of WASP by being back at the Ricoh? A long term deal over say 5 years would be my bet while SISU - (although far more likely a new owner) would have an option to build a new stadium in that time, or negotiate a new and improved deal to stay at the Ricoh.
The EU thing is a slight muddying of the waters, but with Brexit now over the line both sides could mitigate that easily. The council for their part should encourage and support a return to the Ricoh and be open to new sites for a stadium being found. We have the spotlight on the city next year as a city of culture and need to be mindful of the actions WASP, CCFC and the council take.
WASP were welcomed to our city, and virtually stole the stadium with a 150 year cheap lease. They need to consider their position carefully within the city and the mounting cost of the Ricoh going forward. They have to consider new owners of CCFC are inevitable, and show relationships to be amicable with current owners putting much of the past behind them. What's not to like for WASP ?Bringing in more substantial income from CCFC, sponsorships, exposure, happy tenants in the casino and hotel etc etc? If the city go up as most likely, WASP know the deal to play at the Ricoh will earn them a much higher rent and associated income streams. Its just tomfoolery to ignore.

MalcSB · Mar 11, 2020

Paxman II said:
I hate to say it but there is no obligation by WASP to offer the Ricoh to us is there? Would you offer your spare room to someone who simply said I used to live there, didn't buy it, now you have so can I rent a room?
I think it comes down to the nuts and bolts of the issue. I do recall something in WASP deal that the council had inserted a clause that the Ricoh be made available to the football club under reasonable conditions? You can argue SISU somewhat broke those conditions long ago.
It's far more a business decision for WASP, and while they appear to be surviving they are not prospering either. SISU have shown contrite in the last couple of years, putting much of their house in order at the football club. Can they convince WASP they want to continue on those lines and to the benefit of WASP by being back at the Ricoh? A long term deal over say 5 years would be my bet while SISU - (although far more likely a new owner) would have an option to build a new stadium in that time, or negotiate a new and improved deal to stay at the Ricoh.
The EU thing is a slight muddying of the waters, but with Brexit now over the line both sides could mitigate that easily. The council for their part should encourage and support a return to the Ricoh and be open to new sites for a stadium being found. We have the spotlight on the city next year as a city of culture and need to be mindful of the actions WASP, CCFC and the council take.
WASP were welcomed to our city, and virtually stole the stadium with a 150 year cheap lease. They need to consider their position carefully within the city and the mounting cost of the Ricoh going forward. They have to consider new owners of CCFC are inevitable, and show relationships to be amicable with current owners putting much of the past behind them. What's not to like for WASP ?Bringing in more substantial income from CCFC, sponsorships, exposure, happy tenants in the casino and hotel etc etc? If the city go up as most likely, WASP know the deal to play at the Ricoh will earn them a much higher rent and associated income streams. Its just tomfoolery to ignore.

Isn’t it a 250 year lease, making it even cheaper.

chiefdave · Mar 11, 2020

Paxman II said:
I hate to say it but there is no obligation by WASP to offer the Ricoh to us is there?

Nick Eastwood said:
We effectively made a commitment to the council when we purchased the Ricoh that CCFC would be at the Ricoh for as long as they wished

Ann Lucas said:
This deal would not have happened if it threatened the future of the Sky Blues or Coventry Rugby Club.

Nick · Mar 11, 2020

That is what they should be called out on.

TTG · Mar 11, 2020

Paxman II said:
I hate to say it but there is no obligation by WASP to offer the Ricoh to us is there? Would you offer your spare room to someone who simply said I used to live there, didn't buy it, now you have so can I rent a room?
I think it comes down to the nuts and bolts of the issue. I do recall something in WASP deal that the council had inserted a clause that the Ricoh be made available to the football club under reasonable conditions? You can argue SISU somewhat broke those conditions long ago.
It's far more a business decision for WASP, and while they appear to be surviving they are not prospering either. SISU have shown contrite in the last couple of years, putting much of their house in order at the football club. Can they convince WASP they want to continue on those lines and to the benefit of WASP by being back at the Ricoh? A long term deal over say 5 years would be my bet while SISU - (although far more likely a new owner) would have an option to build a new stadium in that time, or negotiate a new and improved deal to stay at the Ricoh.
The EU thing is a slight muddying of the waters, but with Brexit now over the line both sides could mitigate that easily. The council for their part should encourage and support a return to the Ricoh and be open to new sites for a stadium being found. We have the spotlight on the city next year as a city of culture and need to be mindful of the actions WASP, CCFC and the council take.
WASP were welcomed to our city, and virtually stole the stadium with a 150 year cheap lease. They need to consider their position carefully within the city and the mounting cost of the Ricoh going forward. They have to consider new owners of CCFC are inevitable, and show relationships to be amicable with current owners putting much of the past behind them. What's not to like for WASP ?Bringing in more substantial income from CCFC, sponsorships, exposure, happy tenants in the casino and hotel etc etc? If the city go up as most likely, WASP know the deal to play at the Ricoh will earn them a much higher rent and associated income streams. Its just tomfoolery to ignore.

yeah but what if the landlord one day suddenly started charging the rent at a ridiculous amount, so you went to find somewhere cheaper, you managed to agree a lower rent, but then the landlord sold it to someone else who wanted to live there too.

chiefdave · Mar 11, 2020

Nick said:
That is what they should be called out on.

And not be allowed to just say it only meant as long as the current deal was in place which was clearly bollocks as they also mention CRFC. Was still enough of an answer for the Telegraph and CWR to not question it.

Danceswithhorses · Mar 11, 2020

I'm not sure what terms sisu had with wasps for us renting the ricoh, but presume they were fairly reasonable (ie less than £500k/year) ?
So, presumably wasps will think it's fine to now charge ccfc £1m per season, as SISU were happy paying that amount to bcfc ?

HuckerbyDublinWhelan · Mar 11, 2020

Danceswithhorses said:
I'm not sure what terms sisu had with wasps for us renting the ricoh, but presume they were fairly reasonable (ie less than £500k/year) ?
So, presumably wasps will think it's fine to now charge ccfc £1m per season, as SISU were happy paying that amount to bcfc ?

We had no choice In that one though. Whereas if Wasps try and screw us we have an option.

I’ve also heard the % of income we make from BCFC is better than we got at the Ricoh

Mild-Mannered Janitor · Mar 11, 2020

Will draft something in the morning, I’ve been trying to read up on state aid and the complaint made, I would have thought the European team would have sent through something to the council on this matter about the issue raised. Will try to think of questions to ask.

Is it worth us sending in freedom of information requests on any topics? Any ideas? Was thinking like the amount of tax payers money defending the case? Minutes of discussions on the decision to approve the Wasps deal? The valuation report commissioned for the sale, who were the experts employed at the time?

Perhaps I’ll ask them if they’ll match the season ticket fund like the club?

will be asking about economic impact assessment on the city from the team and the additional value from wasps

Danceswithhorses · Mar 11, 2020

HuckerbyDublinWhelan said:
We had no choice In that one though. Whereas if Wasps try and screw us we have an option.

I’ve also heard the % of income we make from BCFC is better than we got at the Ricoh

Fair enough mate.
Tbh, i wasn't sure what the previous terms were, or what the current terms are...i just knew the ballpark/headline rent figures.
You can see the argument that wasps might use though can't you ie we gave you a lowish rent figure...you messed us around, we fell out, you then rented St Andrews for more money, so you can obviously afford to pay more ?

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 11, 2020

Danceswithhorses said:
Fair enough mate.
Tbh, i wasn't sure what the previous terms were, or what the current terms are...i just knew the ballpark/headline rent figures.
You can see the argument that wasps might use though can't you ie we gave you a lowish rent figure...you messed us around, we fell out, you then rented St Andrews for more money, so you can obviously afford to pay more ?

Least that would mean they were talking

Mild-Mannered Janitor · Mar 11, 2020

Maybe someone could ask how the following is working out....

Council leader Ann Lucas, said the Labour party insisted on three ‘deal-breakers’ before agreeing to back the move.
She said it must allow continued regeneration of the north east of the city, allow Coventry City FC to remain at the stadium and must not disadvantage the city’s existing rugby team - Coventry Rugby Club.

No one here has ever been prepared to sell the Ricoh Arena or the leasehold unless we can be completely satisfied our original aims can be met and include a home for the football club.

“We have always had the interests of the people of Coventry, taxpayers and local residents at the heart of any decision about future ownership of the stadium or ACL.

“Let me be clear, any deal around the future of the Ricoh Arena must not happen if it threatens the future of the Sky Blues or Coventry Rugby Club.

1. how is the regeneration going?
2. Erm......how’s that going. I guess this was never stipulated in the lease agreement
3. ok, they are doing better but how could the councillors really measure and ensure this?

She said: “The Ricoh is a much-loved community asset that every one of us is proud of.

Badger · Mar 12, 2020

We don't live in Cov so all our spending is now in Birmingham. We would spend money in the Bull and Anchor /Cov Welsh / casino mostly but would often call in at other places en route. We have called in at places like the Devonshire/Holyhead/Burnt Post on the way in or back. Or occasionally get the train and use the centre. It is all revenue that is now in Birmingham. How many more from the surrounding areas now spend absolutely nothing in Coventry?

oldskyblue58 · Mar 12, 2020

Mild-Mannered Janitor said:
Will draft something in the morning, I’ve been trying to read up on state aid and the complaint made, I would have thought the European team would have sent through something to the council on this matter about the issue raised. Will try to think of questions to ask.

Is it worth us sending in freedom of information requests on any topics? Any ideas? Was thinking like the amount of tax payers money defending the case? Minutes of discussions on the decision to approve the Wasps deal? The valuation report commissioned for the sale, who were the experts employed at the time?

Perhaps I’ll ask them if they’ll match the season ticket fund like the club?

will be asking about economic impact assessment on the city from the team and the additional value from wasps

Can save you a bit of time on some of those FOI topics

Last estimate provided to the CT in 2019 i believe was £1.2m - however some of that would have been repaid by SISU entities since under court direction
Minutes were not apparently kept of that meeting - disclosed by several news outlets in 2014
the valuation was based on work done by KPMG - a top six firm of accountants.

Past experience of making FOI requests has been that CCC hide behind commercial sensitivity not to disclose the information requested. But it is always worth asking questions.

The one about economic impact of both teams i would suggest is definitely worth asking

fernandopartridge · Mar 12, 2020

oldskyblue58 said:
the valuation was based on work done by KPMG - a top six firm of accountants.

The credibility of such firms went out of the window years ago, they are all hugely conflicted since they stopped being just accountants and auditors.

Nick · Mar 12, 2020

Might be worth asking them about this as well

chiefdave · Mar 12, 2020

oldskyblue58 said:
Minutes were not apparently kept of that meeting - disclosed by several news outlets in 2014

We should have known then something was up. Going in CWR and the Telegraph were reporting it was expected to be a very close vote. Then there's a meeting with no public allowed, no minutes, not even any notes taken, no record whatsoever at which Wasps address the councillors and its suddenly a unanimous vote.

Even if everything was above board that doesn't look good.

oldskyblue58 said:
Past experience of making FOI requests has been that CCC hide behind commercial sensitivity not to disclose the information requested.

Apparently CCC have one of the worst response rates in the country to FOI requests.

Nick · Mar 12, 2020

chiefdave said:
Apparently CCC have one of the worst response rates in the country to FOI requests.

Even worse since Duggin got the gig.

mark82 · Mar 12, 2020

Nick said:
Might be worth asking them about this as well

Guessing with reference to the planned hotel?

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