| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium 10:17 - Aug 27 with 21656 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 10:36 - Aug 27 with 6511 views | isitme |
That is excellent work.
I have copied the questions posed and emailed them to all three of my local councillors. Considering that the stadium lies within their constituency surely they will have to address the issues. |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:52 - Aug 27 with 6447 views | fermin |
Is this a press release that the media should pick up on?
I'm not a Rochdale resident so there is little I can do, but I would be interested in the results. |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:57 - Aug 27 with 6423 views | SuddenLad |
It has been suggested from various conversations over recent days that there is a case here for the Ombudsman in relation to maladministration by Rochdale Council.
If all else fails............... |  |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:20 - Aug 27 with 6351 views | Daley_Lama |
Was Brett still involved with the Stadium Company/Hornets in 2007 when they secured a 50K loan against 45.5% of the Stadium company, shortly before going into adminsistration which created this current position?
If so, somebody pass me a pitch-fork and burning torch (figuratively speaking of course) |  |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:38 - Aug 27 with 6305 views | electricblue |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:52 - Aug 27 by fermin |
Is this a press release that the media should pick up on?
I'm not a Rochdale resident so there is little I can do, but I would be interested in the results. |
Same here......
What about the Dale supporters who are share holders dont they have a voice or is that through the club.. |  |
| My all time favourite Dale player Mr Lyndon Symmonds |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 12:02 - Aug 27 with 6241 views | Dalenet |
I think the Council should now publish a response on what it knows
1. What has been Bretts role in either Hornets or the Stadium Company every month since say 2010
2. Did he have a financial stake in hornets, or a loan outstanding, at ant point during his RMBC appointed role on the stadium board
3. If so, is that a conflict of interest and was it declared
4. Is the Council aware of a bid by RAFC and if so, why was the elected council rep denying awareness publicly |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:02 - Aug 27 with 6060 views | KenBoon |
Great work.
I don't live in the parish anymore so cannot really bother a councilor, but i'll make certain to ask the MP over Twitter (I imagine along with many others). |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:14 - Aug 27 with 6020 views | G_Dale |
I'd expect if any answers are given then they will dodge the original questions. Is anyone who is an any senior role in Rochdale council clean? There is story after story of how things are just ignored of covered up. This seems to be happening here too.
what happens if the stadium company go into administration? Could RAFC not just buy it then? would the debt be hugely increased? | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:19 - Aug 27 with 6003 views | judd |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:02 - Aug 27 by KenBoon |
Great work.
I don't live in the parish anymore so cannot really bother a councilor, but i'll make certain to ask the MP over Twitter (I imagine along with many others). |
Don't forget to mention how you are on his wife's side in the great British nork off with wotsit Mensch, and compliment him on his creditworthy attempts at exposing sex scandals in public office. |  |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:32 - Aug 27 with 5957 views | Daley_Lama |
His missus has got to be a cert for I'm a "Celebrity" get me out of here this winter.
#noklass | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:36 - Aug 27 with 5939 views | SuddenLad |
Or a fortnight in the jungle, displaying her wares under the infamous shower. | |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:36 - Aug 27 with 5937 views | judd |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 13:32 - Aug 27 by Daley_Lama |
His missus has got to be a cert for I'm a "Celebrity" get me out of here this winter.
#noklass |
But that might bring attendant publicity.... | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 14:08 - Aug 27 with 5851 views | aleanddale |
Exellent OP.
Before we all inundate councillors!! ( I am all for a bit of rabble rousing by the way )
are we 100% it would not create a conflict or hinder what the club are trying to do through official / legal lines?
If 100% it helps we need to create a storm in anyway possible this Brett character appears to be not fit for purpose!!! | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 14:42 - Aug 27 with 5769 views | isitme |
Below is a copy of an email I received from Councillor Biant
Thank you for expressing your concerns. I have already sent a brief response to the Supporters’ Trust, and I expect they will disseminate our responses to you. Nothing has been decided yet. Members will be discussing this, and I am sure the Leader will be sending a response to the Supporters’ Trust soon. Most Council Members have the best interests of Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets at heart.
With best wishes,
Cecile
No doubt the trust will give us an update regarding her's and other's responses? | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:08 - Aug 27 with 5699 views | Sandyman |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 10:36 - Aug 27 by isitme |
That is excellent work.
I have copied the questions posed and emailed them to all three of my local councillors. Considering that the stadium lies within their constituency surely they will have to address the issues. |
I've done exactly the same, to the same councillors as you. Interesting you got a reply so promptly.
One would expect that in their roles as deputy mayor / deputy mayoress, The Biant's would not welcome a financial scandal in their ward that could endanger their chance to have the mayoral lamp post outside their home soon...
http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/mayors/profile_of_the_deputy_ma |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:16 - Aug 27 with 5665 views | isitme |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:08 - Aug 27 by Sandyman |
I've done exactly the same, to the same councillors as you. Interesting you got a reply so promptly.
One would expect that in their roles as deputy mayor / deputy mayoress, The Biant's would not welcome a financial scandal in their ward that could endanger their chance to have the mayoral lamp post outside their home soon...
http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/mayors/profile_of_the_deputy_ma |
Not saying that you didn't, but I did ask nicely! | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:17 - Aug 27 with 5659 views | 442Dale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 14:42 - Aug 27 by isitme |
Below is a copy of an email I received from Councillor Biant
Thank you for expressing your concerns. I have already sent a brief response to the Supporters’ Trust, and I expect they will disseminate our responses to you. Nothing has been decided yet. Members will be discussing this, and I am sure the Leader will be sending a response to the Supporters’ Trust soon. Most Council Members have the best interests of Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets at heart.
With best wishes,
Cecile
No doubt the trust will give us an update regarding her's and other's responses? |
"Most Council Members"? |  |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:20 - Aug 27 with 5651 views | isitme |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:17 - Aug 27 by 442Dale |
"Most Council Members"? |
Yes, that was a bit telling. Perhaps there are divisions in our ruling party, especially after the putch that saw Lambert forced out as Council leader? [Post edited 27 Aug 2014 16:09]
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:55 - Aug 27 with 5565 views | tony_roch975 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 15:20 - Aug 27 by isitme |
Yes, that was a bit telling. Perhaps there are divisions in our ruling party, especially after the putch that saw Lambert forced out as Council leader? [Post edited 27 Aug 2014 16:09]
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I'm astounded isitme; are you really suggesting the return of the prodigal son after 10 years in the wilderness to be re-crowned as Leader of the Labour Group (with his henchman Allen Brett) wasn't welcomed by the adoring masses of Rochdale Labour Party members? I'd thought they would have gained a majority of at least North Korean proportions! And would that be the same Allen Brett; he of the Co-Op Party and best mates with a certain Methodist (Co-op banker) Minister in the 80s; Fellow Daleys, beware of the return of the prodigal son and his sidekick — could be more than the odd 'lamb...' or two who’s in danger of getting slaughtered. | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:13 - Aug 27 with 5502 views | isitme |
A certain Mr Flowers? | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:18 - Aug 27 with 5486 views | tony_roch975 |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:13 - Aug 27 by isitme |
A certain Mr Flowers? |
indeed so | |
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| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:34 - Aug 27 with 5431 views | isitme |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:18 - Aug 27 by tony_roch975 |
indeed so |
Interesting company to keep! | | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 16:53 - Aug 27 with 5376 views | love_the_dale |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 11:20 - Aug 27 by Daley_Lama |
Was Brett still involved with the Stadium Company/Hornets in 2007 when they secured a 50K loan against 45.5% of the Stadium company, shortly before going into adminsistration which created this current position?
If so, somebody pass me a pitch-fork and burning torch (figuratively speaking of course) |
He was a director of the Stadium Company from 19/08/1999 to 08/06/2006.
As far as I can see, he was never on the Hornet's board.
Richard Farnell was a director of the Stadium Company from 20/03/1991 to 08/05/1992 |  | | |
| Trust statement: Spotland Stadium on 17:49 - Aug 27 with 5222 views | SuddenLad |
So, he freely admits he was on the Hornets Board of Directors. Well, well. | |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
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