mbr
Rank = Alberto Saidi
Posts: 18
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Post by mbr on Jun 21, 2020 14:31:35 GMT
At the offset I want to state that this thread is nothing to do with personal criticism of any members of the new Board who, in general, are doing a very good job. It is a plea for more openness and transparency, a call for clear communication on an issue that is crucial to the future of the club, the provision of a new joint stadium.
Raising this topic has been prompted by the recent Board Statement (16 June). Am I the only fan who is worried by the carefully crafted wording with regard to the issue. The term 'new stadium' is not mentioned nor is any continued Workington AFC commitment(100% so by the previous Board) to it. Instead the statement refers more vaguely to "potential options for the redevelopment of Borough Park". The statement also talks about the changing "financial landscape" and "finding a sustainable and workable solution", as if to prepare fans for a refurbished Borough Park, not a new stadium ( At the last AGM in December, a long way ahead of the current Pandemic circumstances, the current Chairman said that he wanted to make sure that this very option was on the negotiating table).
My intention is not to personalise this matter, but to express my concern that Workington AFC is no longer committed to a new stadium as a future goal for Reds and Town. I hope that other fans will also want the Board to answer the following three questions, in order to allay fears of a change in direction which they may not be being open about.
1. Is a new joint stadium their first choice? 2. Are they prepared to fight for it, even if Allerdale's new Executive want to reject it for a second time? 3. Will the Stadium Project Team, referred to in the statement, independently research models of new stadium finance to back up their negotiations for a new stadium?
In a different thread paulsimmo argues "There's plenty of bigger clubs that would kill for a fanbase, volunteers and supporters groups as dedicated and generous as ours". Surely such a support base deserves a Board that will fight for a fine new stadium?
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Post by paulsimmo on Jun 21, 2020 14:55:25 GMT
I think it depends on what a redevelopment of BP would look like versus a new joint stadium. I was vocal in my support for a new ground, but because it afforded us the potential of year-round income, as well as an easily-accessible facility for the people of Workington (anything that makes it easy for kids to be more active and involved in sports is a good thing).
IF we can improve the all round fan experience at BP, possibly move to 4g or similar surface (I prefer football on grass, but I'd rather have a club that can survive), improve corporate facilities and make the stadium a base for all levels of the club, then I have no problem with staying where we are.
I think the new board have done a good job in communicating with us fans so far, but I'd like to know what their plans are longer term
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yidaho
Rank = Ian Arnold
Posts: 149
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Post by yidaho on Jun 21, 2020 17:58:45 GMT
I believe Allerdale had set aside £5m for a 'new' stadium, this I would guess has been blown away by the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, for any new stadium to go ahead it would now have to be self-financed and to get a suitable loan would require a significant lease. I would guess in the order of over 15 years and probably over 20 to make any loan investment viable on the loanees part.
Allerdale has always been reluctant to give an extended lease and this may be a stumbling block. I would imagine that they are still of the opinion that it should be a joint stadium but if they are not prepared to finance the stadium, as would seem likely now, why should they have a say in it.
I think we will be 'refurbishing' BP for a few years to come.
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Post by Simon Collins on Jun 21, 2020 18:37:00 GMT
I called into BP yesterday morning (various gates were open and work being undertaken).
I must say that's there's a significant 'fresh' look about the place.
The smell of fresh paint in the air made me excited about the upcoming season both on and off the pitch.
Well done to all involved in the ongoing work being done at BP.
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mbr
Rank = Alberto Saidi
Posts: 18
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Post by mbr on Jun 23, 2020 14:12:54 GMT
Before the 'takeover' the view of the Board was clear and well know; a new joint stadium was the right thing for the long term success of the club, for fans, the town and especially for young people and future generations.
Yes the financial situation has changed. However,there is a big difference between improving Borough Park - until the finances for a new stadium can be sorted out - and developing it instead of a future new stadium. I fear that the latter is the new position of the Board though they have not been open about it. I hope I'm wrong. A delay in getting the new stadium is surely better than not reaching for that goal at all?
My main point is that the Board should not be using carefully crafted, ambiguous statements on what is a very important matter for the club's future. Surely the Board should be more open and consultative about this?
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GS Red
Rank = Ryan McLuskey
Posts: 88
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Post by GS Red on Jun 26, 2020 10:49:39 GMT
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mbr
Rank = Alberto Saidi
Posts: 18
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Post by mbr on Jun 28, 2020 12:54:56 GMT
Totally agree with you, GS Red, about the impending financial situation. Those financial circumstances will most likely mean a delay to any long term solution, whether that is a revamped Borough Park - and Derwent Park? - or a shared new stadium?
I simply want the Board to tell fans what their preferred long term option actually is, rather than issue deliberately vague statements on the issue.
Personally, hope that the Board will see the inevitable delay in proceedings as an opportunity, because it gives more time to sort out the finances for a stadium that both Reds and Town, as well as fans and future generations, can be proud of. And not see the financial situation as an excuse to reject a new joint stadium in favour of staying forever at Borough Park out of some nostalgia for the past. The proud history of the club, (the recent video of the Man Utd game is only part of that), will stand even after the move to a new stadium.
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Post by waterloosunset on Jun 28, 2020 17:08:40 GMT
There must be only 4-5 years left on the lease. Im still not sure where we stand with the ground regulations for the coming season. Have we got a certificate for the coming season, or is the court case ongoing. As far as im aware, do we not require one every 12 months.
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