| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium 10:17 - Aug 27 with 21646 views | ColDale |
We have been contacted by a large number of Trust members and Dale supporters in the last few weeks with regard to the purchase of Spotland by Rochdale A.F.C., with further enquiries after Keith Hill’s comments after the Bristol City game on Saturday.
Since April, there have been a number of statements and reports that have linked Rochdale A.F.C. with a bid to regain full ownership of Spotland Stadium, with a number of concerns raised throughout August about the role of Rochdale Council in this bid by both the board of directors at Rochdale A.F.C. and even the manager Keith Hill.
The creation of a Stadium Company back in the late 1980’s saw Rochdale A.F.C. retain a 45.5% shareholding in the Stadium, with Rochdale Hornets acquiring an equivalent shareholding and Rochdale Council taking on the remaining 9%. However, financial problems for Rochdale Hornets saw their shareholding transfer to the RFL as a result of a loan, and soon after they entered administration. They eventually were forced to reform and were allowed to play at Spotland.
However, the current three party ownership of Spotland Stadium has seen a significant debt accumulated. We believe the debt currently stands in excess of £600,000 and as things stand, it is increasing year by year. Under the current three party ownership, this debt will continue to grow until the day when it becomes unsustainable and the Stadium enters administration.
It was announced in April of this year, that Rochdale A.F.C. had launched a bid to acquire full ownership of the stadium. By pursuing full ownership of the Stadium, Rochdale A.F.C would take full responsibility for these debts.
Whilst concerns from supporters of Rochdale Hornets are understandable, we can confirm that any deal to take over the ownership of Spotland would include a long term lease at a reduced rent which would allow the continued use of Spotland by Rochdale Hornets. All supporters of Rochdale Hornets can be assured that there is no plan or desire to see them play home games away from Spotland.
It is our belief that earlier in the year, the Council were fully supportive of Rochdale A.F.C.’s bid to buy the Stadium, given the assurances regarding Rochdale Hornets and the Stadium Company debts. Not only that, the belief was that the RFL were willing to do business with Rochdale AFC given the assurances that were being made.
However, it would appear that the change in leadership at the Council no longer seems to be backing this plan. As such, we are asking questions about who’s best interest they are acting in. The new Council Leader Richard Farnell is a Rochdale Hornets sponsor and the man he placed in charge of the Stadium Company — Allen Brett — is a former Hornets director. Furthermore, after taking on the position on June 4th, Allen Brett spoke on BBC Radio on August denied any knowledge of a Stadium purchase claiming to be “flabberghasted” despite the bid being on the cards for a number of months and front page news in the Rochdale Observer.
We can confirm that one Trust member has already contacted the acting Chief Executive of the Council in the past week over a number of concerns regarding Allen Brett’s suitability for the position of Stadium Company Chairman.
We are very concerned as a representative body for Rochdale A.F.C. supporters that it would appear that the serving members of the Council are not acting in a way that is in the best interest of the people they represent, many of whom are supporters of Rochdale A.F.C. and as such, we as a Trust would like answers to the following questions:
*Given that Allen Brett has previously been a director of Rochdale Hornets and has represented their interests on the Stadium Company, does he retain the impartiality required to be Chairman of the Stadium Company?
*Furthermore, is the “Brett Loan” that is featured in the latest set of accounts for Rochdale Hornets in any way related to Allen Brett and his previous time as a director? Does this bring up a conflict of interest?
* Given that Allen Brett’s previous spell in charge of the Stadium Company approximately ten years ago saw non payment of rent to the stadium company over at least a three year period ( http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/stadium-row-pits-club-a and Stadium Company debt reach record levels at the time, in what way does he remain a suitable candidate for the position?
* Again, we question his suitability for the role given he assumed the role of Chairman of the Stadium Company on 4th June, how could it be possible that over two months later, he is quoted as having no knowledge of RAFC’s bid for the stadium on Radio Manchester when there is evidence proving it had been on the Stadium Company agenda for a number of months previous to this? Surely at the very least, in becoming a director of the Stadium Company, there is a legal responsibility to do due diligence on that company?
*We are aware that some supporters have attempted to contact Allen Brett over these concerns. Why has there been no response to these emails give that he has been elected to represent the people?
Given that Rochdale Council retains a 9% stake in the stadium which carries a debt in excess of £600,000, in what way do the Council have plans to act upon behalf of its council tax payers to prevent the stadium entering administration as a result of this debt ?
* Given that Rochdale A.F.C is looking at a guaranteed long term lease for Rochdale Hornets. what other plans does Rochdale Council have to ensure the future of professional Rugby League within the town?
* In a town which continually attracts extremely negative media attention, why is the serving Council acting against the interests of one of the town’s biggest success stories in recent years?
We would like to invite all our members and Dale supporters to contact their local Councillors ( http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?VW=TABLE&PIC=1&FN ) and ask for their answers to the above questions. |  | | |  |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:53 - Aug 30 with 2883 views | TalkingSutty |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:22 - Aug 30 by TVOS1907 |
Hope he doesn't flounce off the board in protest.
Everything he says is 100% correct, though. |
Well posting on the forum should be fun and interesting, personal insults because of how you view a performance or you don't agree with the majority just results in thinking "why bother" and i have never been one just to conform.
Unlike some on this forum i am not close to the hierachy around the club and that's how i like it, it gives me freedom of speech and i can flounce as much as i want without compromising myself. |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:57 - Aug 30 with 2877 views | Rooleyblue |
This whole sorry mess does leave a very bitter taste in your mouth.
Alan Brett is not doing Hornets any favours with all the lies and mistrust surrounding the proposed buy out.
All he has achieved is more and more division between Dale and Hornets and the supporters of both.
Let me tell you Mr Brett, you are not coming out of this very well at all.
almost everyone I talk to at the moment goes onto the sale of the stadium, whether that be in the street, at work, in the pub or on social network sites and after all the cover up of Cyril Smith etc...We the people of Rochdale have no stomach for more council lies.
I (as are many) are now wishing that we had stayed well clear of the shared stadium, with Hornets and the council it was like getting into bed with the devil.
Why not get off your high and mighty perch and stop trying to block any move of the stadium purchase, and look at what is in the best interest of all parties involved and that is for the football club to take FULL ownership of the stadium. |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:14 - Aug 30 with 2826 views | TalkingSutty |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:57 - Aug 30 by Rooleyblue |
This whole sorry mess does leave a very bitter taste in your mouth.
Alan Brett is not doing Hornets any favours with all the lies and mistrust surrounding the proposed buy out.
All he has achieved is more and more division between Dale and Hornets and the supporters of both.
Let me tell you Mr Brett, you are not coming out of this very well at all.
almost everyone I talk to at the moment goes onto the sale of the stadium, whether that be in the street, at work, in the pub or on social network sites and after all the cover up of Cyril Smith etc...We the people of Rochdale have no stomach for more council lies.
I (as are many) are now wishing that we had stayed well clear of the shared stadium, with Hornets and the council it was like getting into bed with the devil.
Why not get off your high and mighty perch and stop trying to block any move of the stadium purchase, and look at what is in the best interest of all parties involved and that is for the football club to take FULL ownership of the stadium. |
Agree with most of the post but i think as fans we should stay clear of falling out with our rugby supporting colleagues. That will muddy the waters and lets face it they are only the same as us trying to support their local club. As fans we should rise above that ,its something the Rugby loving councillors would love to see so lets not fall for it.
When Hornets moved into Spotland it must have been beneficial to all parties at the time bit things have changed and Hornets cant pay their way with no hope of financing the running of the stadium. The right way forward is to work together with Hornets and give them a home they can afford for the long term future. | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:18 - Aug 30 with 2809 views | 442Dale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:14 - Aug 30 by TalkingSutty |
Agree with most of the post but i think as fans we should stay clear of falling out with our rugby supporting colleagues. That will muddy the waters and lets face it they are only the same as us trying to support their local club. As fans we should rise above that ,its something the Rugby loving councillors would love to see so lets not fall for it.
When Hornets moved into Spotland it must have been beneficial to all parties at the time bit things have changed and Hornets cant pay their way with no hope of financing the running of the stadium. The right way forward is to work together with Hornets and give them a home they can afford for the long term future. |
Agreed, it's not much to do with Hornets right now. We just need the stadium situation clearing up, they'll get to stay whatever happens.
After the initial interview with Hill, the Trust's statement and the response in the Ob, the ball is now firmly in the football club's court if only to clarify the situation from their standpoint. |  |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:45 - Aug 30 with 2748 views | TVOS1907 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:53 - Aug 30 by TalkingSutty |
Well posting on the forum should be fun and interesting, personal insults because of how you view a performance or you don't agree with the majority just results in thinking "why bother" and i have never been one just to conform.
Unlike some on this forum i am not close to the hierachy around the club and that's how i like it, it gives me freedom of speech and i can flounce as much as i want without compromising myself. |
Good |  |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:59 - Aug 30 with 2712 views | Rooleyblue |
It is mentioned somewhere that the stadium has a debt of £600k +.
Questions that are of concern IMO are,
How is the debt getting serviced (ie payments being made) and by whom?
Are all parties (shareholders servicing the debt)?
Is the debt getting any bigger?
If it is, then how is it getting bigger, and what controls are in place to stop it getting bigger and by whom?
From Hilly's point of view, I would imagine he would like to be able to spend some of the Hogan transfer money on bolstering the squad to be able compete and succeed.
He has however, stated that he wants the money to go to the club for its future stability.
If Dale don't have control of the stadium then we cannot plan ahead and who knows what sudden financial surprises may arise in the near future.
In order to compete on a decent financial footing the club need to know what bills they will need to plan for and what cash surplus (for transfer's and investment) they have available.
At present they need to sit on money, just in case!
Too many questions and not enough answers lead to too much speculation and uncertainty. | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:59 - Aug 30 with 2711 views | off2div1 |
Have we had anything from RAFC board what is going on what actions they have taken.
Keith Hill if the manager of the football team(not the Chairman of rafc).
What communication has taken place between RAFC Hornets & RMBC.  |  | | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 12:07 - Aug 30 with 2683 views | MoonyDale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:59 - Aug 30 by off2div1 |
Have we had anything from RAFC board what is going on what actions they have taken.
Keith Hill if the manager of the football team(not the Chairman of rafc).
What communication has taken place between RAFC Hornets & RMBC. |
Hornets wouldn't have been in any talks as they own no shares, official talks would have been between Dale, the RFL and the council. However I am sure that Hornets will have had their say behind closed doors without the knowledge of the football club. They have form in that respect as we all know.... |  |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 20:12 - Aug 30 with 2444 views | pedrodale |
If this isnt sorted at the soonest opportunity wont the club will have to spend the money on players by Christmas to avoid a tax bill in April ?.  |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 21:29 - Aug 30 with 2355 views | MoonyDale |
Nice home movie there Vespa....If you're into that sort of thing like. | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 21:34 - Aug 30 with 2349 views | Vespa |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 21:29 - Aug 30 by MoonyDale |
Nice home movie there Vespa....If you're into that sort of thing like. |
Funny thing is it actually looks like Raz. |  |
| Up the Dale, C'mon Hornets |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:43 - Aug 31 with 2161 views | TVOS1907 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 21:34 - Aug 30 by Vespa |
Funny thing is it actually looks like Raz. |
Which one? | |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 14:25 - Aug 31 with 2129 views | Vespa |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:43 - Aug 31 by TVOS1907 |
Which one? |
The woolly one. [Post edited 31 Aug 2014 14:26]
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| Up the Dale, C'mon Hornets |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:58 - Aug 31 with 2051 views | TVOS1907 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 14:25 - Aug 31 by Vespa |
The woolly one. [Post edited 31 Aug 2014 14:26]
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Which backs-up his tvvats post. | |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 17:54 - Aug 31 with 1980 views | Vespa |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:58 - Aug 31 by TVOS1907 |
Which backs-up his tvvats post. |
Depends on who's doing the bumming. | |
| Up the Dale, C'mon Hornets |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 20:30 - Aug 31 with 1894 views | TVOS1907 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 17:54 - Aug 31 by Vespa |
Depends on who's doing the bumming. |
Not us. | |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 21:18 - Aug 31 with 1847 views | Vespa |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 20:30 - Aug 31 by TVOS1907 |
Not us. |
Maybe no one is getting bummed. The woollen one may just have been teasing with a twerk. [Post edited 31 Aug 2014 21:22]
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| Up the Dale, C'mon Hornets |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:00 - Sep 10 with 1640 views | 442Dale |
So, another couple of weeks down the line, what's happening? | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:09 - Sep 10 with 1613 views | isitme |
Have the trust not had a reply from anyone on the council regarding the original questions. |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:16 - Sep 10 with 1599 views | ColDale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:09 - Sep 10 by isitme |
Have the trust not had a reply from anyone on the council regarding the original questions. |
we had the statement that was issued by Farnell. That was sent direct by him, and also by a number of councillors. But actual answers? No.
I believe the club were trying seek a meeting with him in the days after the statement but he was away all last week. I assume something may be sorted out this week. Will try and get an update tomorrow after I pop down for my Sheff Utd tickets. | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:27 - Sep 10 with 1572 views | 442Dale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:16 - Sep 10 by ColDale |
we had the statement that was issued by Farnell. That was sent direct by him, and also by a number of councillors. But actual answers? No.
I believe the club were trying seek a meeting with him in the days after the statement but he was away all last week. I assume something may be sorted out this week. Will try and get an update tomorrow after I pop down for my Sheff Utd tickets. |
From Mr Farnell's statement:
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/3/rochdale-afc-news/89130/dale-can
“I have today written to the football club inviting them to meet the Council for constructive discussions about the best way forward for everyone."
So has the meeting taken place?
If not, when is it and when can we expect to hear something?
If it has, what's happening? | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:29 - Sep 10 with 1561 views | isitme |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:16 - Sep 10 by ColDale |
we had the statement that was issued by Farnell. That was sent direct by him, and also by a number of councillors. But actual answers? No.
I believe the club were trying seek a meeting with him in the days after the statement but he was away all last week. I assume something may be sorted out this week. Will try and get an update tomorrow after I pop down for my Sheff Utd tickets. |
Thanks for the reply.
it is poor that no one could answer what are simple questions. | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 17:18 - Sep 10 with 1504 views | ColDale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:27 - Sep 10 by 442Dale |
From Mr Farnell's statement:
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/3/rochdale-afc-news/89130/dale-can
“I have today written to the football club inviting them to meet the Council for constructive discussions about the best way forward for everyone."
So has the meeting taken place?
If not, when is it and when can we expect to hear something?
If it has, what's happening? |
Like I said, he was away all last week so I'd assume something will be sorted this week. I'll let everyone know. | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 22:43 - Sep 11 with 1198 views | DiddyDave |
I`ve just received a Hornets eNewsletter in which CEO,Ryan Bradley states "For the last 5 years Rochdale AFC have been paid a significant management fee by the Stadium Company to manage the stadium. Over this time,the finances of the company have deteriorated. As a tenant of the stadium we have expressed a desire for a change in the way the stadium is managed,and believe this can be done with the current shareholding and under the current board structure. Losing money year after year should,in our opinion,not be happening and this is what the board needs to address."
Looks to me then,that Hornets are putting the 600k debt squarely at Dales` door,and that under this arrangement the debt is obviously going to climb to a level that will eventually become unsustainable. Or am I missing something here? | | | |
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