Questions for Peter Knatchbull Hugesson (6 Viewers)

mattylad

Member
As we know PKNH does read this board and has on occassion also posted information in relation too the current situation. As such I would like to put forward these questions and although it would be nice to get a direct answer I would also welcome the thoughts and views of fellow SBT users.

1) Last week in your CWR breakfast interview you commented that any owners existing or new would need to show a desire to invest in development around the Ricoh arena as well as the team. Why should it be the football clubs responsibility to regenerate that land since it does not own it?

2) If an owner (new or existing) were prepared to invest in the ground around the stadium would you still expect them to buy your 50% share in ACL or would you consider this as a form of payment given your charitable roots?

3) You stated in last weeks interview that although as a director of ACL you have a duty to recover the debt owed you were also taking your current course of action to prevent the potential liquidation of the club. As ACL would have been able to take this step even if SISU attempted to liquidate the club why do it now when promotion (the most sure fire way out of this scenario) is still a possibility?

4) In 2007 when Manhattan attempted to purchase the Higgs share for CCFC you rebuffed it due to value and the fact that they wanted to pay over a three year period. Is it still the case that the Higgs trust will only deal with someone prepared to purchase the share in a one off payment or would you now consider this given the desperate state the club finds itself in?

5) At the same time you also made comment that "some companies go to the wall and that football was a gamble and the charity could not support a gamble" that view appears in stark contrast to your comments about considering the fans and doing this now so points are not deducted nextseason. Given that points may well be deducted this season and next what has brought about your change in stance?

Many thanks if you can take the time to respond to this humble fans questions.
 

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Otis

Well-Known Member
Surely the answer to question 1 because we all know that is the only way the club can seriously make any money isn't it?

As was said sometime back with the supposed Chinese interest. It was the land around the Ricoh that was the lure for investors!

How many football clubs actually make a profit?
 

Gint11

Well-Known Member
Lets hope he see this Mattylad. I would like to know the answers to these questions.
 

mattylad

Member
Question 4 is pure speculation. Manhattan group were never serious buyers.
Sorry Coundon but that is incorrect as I have done my research and that information is taken from a direct reply in 2007 from PKNH in the cov tel responding to Paul Fletchers concerns that ACL were over pricing the value of the Ricoh Arena.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/co...-t-blame-us-say-higgs-trust-50003-19919874/2/

you might also wish to read this piece http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+WAN...!+EXCLUSIVE+TYCOON'S+PLEDGE+AS...-a0160247263
 

mattylad

Member
haha look at who the only 3 posters were that liked the OP!

I didn't post it for likes, these are serious questions that I hope we might get some answers on as if one thing is clear the lack of clarity from both sides is frightening. I would be delighted to read your thoughts on the questions regardless of whether they are positive or negative or please feel free to add any questions of your own?
 

procdoc

Well-Known Member
I didn't post it for likes, these are serious questions that I hope we might get some answers on as if one thing is clear the lack of clarity from both sides is frightening. I would be delighted to read your thoughts on the questions regardless of whether they are positive or negative or please feel free to add any questions of your own?

I'm not saying that you asked them for likes, just pointing out it's the same 3 people that berate anyone who happens to lean towards ACL more than SISU. Most of the questions are valid and should be addressed but a lot of posters probably won't answer because I'm sure the likes of Grendel are eagerly awaiting the first post that criticises his beloved SISU and is ready to jump all over them spouting his usual nonsense
 

fernandopartridge

Well-Known Member
I'm not saying that you asked them for likes, just pointing out it's the same 3 people that berate anyone who happens to lean towards ACL more than SISU. Most of the questions are valid and should be addressed but a lot of posters probably won't answer because I'm sure the likes of Grendel are eagerly awaiting the first post that criticises his beloved SISU and is ready to jump all over them spouting his usual nonsense

I've liked it as well. I think they are reasonable questions and add a bit more to the debate than the pathetic back ACL / SISU (delete as appropriate) at all costs mentality that most on here have got.
 

Monkeyface

Well-Known Member
I thought that redevelopment of the surrounding area was part of the original plans and linked to ownership? Why this has never been undertaken by ACL, I don't know. Maybe I'm just mistaken.

As for point 3, I'm not sure promotion is a way out. This has been going on longer than we have been in League 1.
 

Grendel

Well-Known Member
I am fairly certain that also it was he that said we would be playing in the EvosTick Northern league as well. Why? I don't understand that. Have ACL already checked with the Blue Square and identified that the club will be not allowed in the Conference Leagues?
 

Grendel

Well-Known Member

torchomatic

Well-Known Member

rob9872

Well-Known Member
I'm not saying that you asked them for likes, just pointing out it's the same 3 people that berate anyone who happens to lean towards ACL more than SISU. Most of the questions are valid and should be addressed but a lot of posters probably won't answer because I'm sure the likes of Grendel are eagerly awaiting the first post that criticises his beloved SISU and is ready to jump all over them spouting his usual nonsense

Please quote any post where I have berated someones view of supporting acl. I've made my position clear but not once criticised anyone for disagreeing and you won't find a single cheap insult from me either.
 

Mary_Mungo_Midge

Well-Known Member
I would respectfully suggest the best way of the OP getting what he/she wants isn't for this thread to descend into a slating match; but for us to wait until the feedback requested is hopefully provided. I, for one, would welcome the input. As I'm sure would many.

Thereafter, I'm sure it'll deteriorate into a flurry of each conspiracy-theorist articulating their spin on the answers (if given) in ever more extreme lights; but I'm sure this should be post any feedback, instead of preempting it?!?
 

procdoc

Well-Known Member
Idiot. He is as entitled to his own opinion as you are and it is no less extreme than many others on here with the opposite point of view.

the comment you quoted was tongue in cheek, hence why I included a wink. Idiot.
 

Flying Fokker

Well-Known Member
Please quote any post where I have berated someones view of supporting acl. I've made my position clear but not once criticised anyone for disagreeing and you won't find a single cheap insult from me either.
This is a compliment: your posts are fair and thought provoking.
 

Desperados

New Member
In relation to Q4) hasn't it been said the share can only be purchased outright and payments not staggered as they are a charity and it doesn't allow them to accept deals of this kind?
 

coundonskyblue

New Member
<p>
Sorry Coundon but that is incorrect as I have done my research and that information is taken from a direct reply in 2007 from PKNH in the cov tel responding to Paul Fletchers concerns that ACL were over pricing the value of the Ricoh Arena. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/2007/10/09/don-t-blame-us-say-higgs-trust-50003-19919874/2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/2007/10/09/don-t-blame-us-say-higgs-trust-50003-19919874/2/</a> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>you might also wish to read this piece <a href="http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+WANT+A+SKY+BLUES+DEAL+...AND+FAST!+EXCLUSIVE+TYCOON'S+PLEDGE+AS...-a0160247263" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+WANT+A+SKY+BLUES+DEAL+...AND+FAST!+EXCLUSIVE+TYCOON'S+PLEDGE+AS...-a0160247263</a>

Of course PF didn't have any reason to lie.
 

Otis

Well-Known Member
I am fairly certain that also it was he that said we would be playing in the EvosTick Northern league as well. Why? I don't understand that. Have ACL already checked with the Blue Square and identified that the club will be not allowed in the Conference Leagues?

The independent f ootball finance expert who was interviewed by the media said that that would be the league we would be demoted too.

He was independent and nowt to do with ACL.

Sent from my KIS using Tapatalk 2
 

SallyCinnamon

New Member
PWKH did say football was a 'gamble' and the charity couldn't support such a gamble. But are the official bodies such as charitable commissioners happy with the investment made in the stadium? Wasn't this a massive gamble and a risk for a charity - knowing that the football club could be relegated? Is this the charity's biggest investment (or gamble?)
 

mark82

Super Moderator
PWKH did say football was a 'gamble' and the charity couldn't support such a gamble. But are the official bodies such as charitable commissioners happy with the investment made in the stadium? Wasn't this a massive gamble and a risk for a charity - knowing that the football club could be relegated? Is this the charity's biggest investment (or gamble?)

Not a massive gamble as there is always the value of the asset to fall back on. Only really the same gamble as owning and renting any property I guess.
 

SkyBlueSwiss

New Member
PWKH did say football was a 'gamble' and the charity couldn't support such a gamble. But are the official bodies such as charitable commissioners happy with the investment made in the stadium? Wasn't this a massive gamble and a risk for a charity - knowing that the football club could be relegated? Is this the charity's biggest investment (or gamble?)

And so we come full circle to the "is ACL viable without the club or not" argument.
ACL's auditors, by signing off on the audit report but a short time ago are confirming that ACL are a going concern without the football club and therefore in no way is the Higgs charity taking a gamble.
On the other hand, there are several posters on here that ignore the ACL audit opinion and claim that ACL cannot survive without the football club. Take your pick as to the facts of the matter.
 

mark82

Super Moderator
And so we come full circle to the "is ACL viable without the club or not" argument.
ACL's auditors, by signing off on the audit report but a short time ago are confirming that ACL are a going concern without the football club and therefore in no way is the Higgs charity taking a gamble.
On the other hand, there are several posters on here that ignore the ACL audit opinion and claim that ACL cannot survive without the football club. Take your pick as to the facts of the matter.

Don't think it would be profitable without the football club. The football club brings a multitude of outside sponsorship with it. On the other hand would be able to hold concerts and other events throughout the year. See Don Valley Stadium for a vision of how stadiums become if they are not regularly used.
 

Danceswithhorses

Well-Known Member
PWKH did say football was a 'gamble' and the charity couldn't support such a gamble. But are the official bodies such as charitable commissioners happy with the investment made in the stadium? Wasn't this a massive gamble and a risk for a charity - knowing that the football club could be relegated? Is this the charity's biggest investment (or gamble?)
ACL's asset was the 50 year lease on the Ricoh and the Higgs Charity is a 50% shareholder in ACL.
It was always intended that this arrangement was short term, to help CCFC out, and that CCFC would buy this back sooner rather than later.
SISU have chosen not to buy it in the usual way, instead trying to distress ACL by witholding the rent and wrecking their relationship with the landlords, so that now they wont sell their share to them.
 

torchomatic

Well-Known Member
Yes, still a gamble as the asset is worthless unless someone comes forward to buy it off them.

Not a massive gamble as there is always the value of the asset to fall back on. Only really the same gamble as owning and renting any property I guess.
 

Danceswithhorses

Well-Known Member
Yes, still a gamble as the asset is worthless unless someone comes forward to buy it off them.
Nothing is 100% certain in business, so everything is a gamble.
As ACL is a profitable company, ACL will pay out dividends to its shareholders ie Cov CC and Higgs Charity, once the mortgage is paid off.
Hardly worthless
 

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