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Hornets' anger at debt revelations
Richard Partington2/ 8/2008
HORNETS have called for an emergency Spotland Board meeting concerning what they describe as a ‘breach of confidence’ from stadium company secretary Colin Garlick.
In Wednesday’s Observer we told how Mr Garlick – chief executive of Rochdale AFC – laid bare details of Hornets’ debts at a Dale fans’ forum. He claimed Hornets were in debt to the tune of £28,200, the equivalent of 12 home matches, having failed to make any rent payments for several months.
Mr Garlick described as a farce the fact Hornets still have equal voting rights in spite of their failed payments and told how the stadium company, despite only a nine per cent shareholding, also have an equal say when it comes to decision-making at the stadium.
Hornets have expressed concerns to the chairman of the stadium company, councillor Peter Rush, that Mr Garlick, in his capacity as secretary, should feel a fans’ forum the appropriate platform on which to discuss private matters.
"We accept there are issues with the payment of rent," said a Hornets spokesman. "A cash flow was submitted to representatives of Rochdale Council, the football club and the stadium company which will see the rent owed paid in full – this plan was wholly agreed.
"Mr Garlick’s quoted figures are inaccurate. Furthermore, a stadium board meeting was held less than two weeks ago and Mr Garlick gave us no indication he was about to launch this attack.
"Positive discussions took place and a follow up meeting was agreed for next week. We are at a loss as to Colin’s motives for deciding to reveal what are inaccurate facts to the football club’s fans.
"We believed we had a good relationship with both Colin Garlick and the stadium company but this is clearly not the case. Sensationalism like this is very disappointing and potentially could do Rochdale Hornets a lot of harm. We are currently talking to sponsors for our 2008/2009 season and allegations like this which are simply not true are not only damaging to us as a club but could affect how we go forward into the future.
"We wonder what the future holds for a positive working relationship when there has been such a serious breach of trust and confidence between Hornets and the secretary of the stadium company."
The Hornets board were also disappointed by Mr Garlick’s comments relating to the rugby tournament for youngsters at Spotland which had to be re-arranged due to ongoing work on the pitch.
"As a board, Hornets regret Mr Garlick’s unnecessary decision to re-open discussions relating to the recent tournament, originally planned to be held at the stadium. It is common knowledge that issues and concerns were raised regarding holding the tournament at Spotland. Hornet’s board dealt with these issues through the appropriate channels – the stadium company.
"This was at no time a Rochdale AFC issue and we never indicated that it was.
"The children still enjoyed a great day out at Hornets, playing the competition at Oulder Hill courtesy of Operon, the school’s management company, and then being presented to the fans at half time when they received their trophies.
"Again, we as a club are very curious as to why Colin Garlick feels Hornets were in any way responsible for any negative press as a result of the local authority’s solicitor, Catherine Whitham’s, written instruction that Hornets should not go ahead with the Summer Festival on the pitch at Spotland."
Hornets have requested an emergency board meeting to discuss the ‘breach of confidentiality’ and were awaiting a response from Cllr Rush as the Observer went to press.
Most recent 2 of 3 user comments
And on the point of Football fans paying more than rugby - you'll find that at any joint stadium around the country because football is a more expensive game for fans than rugby.
There are obviously some problems for Hornets but they should have the chance to sort them out in public rather than have it laid to bare in a "fan forum"
4/08/2008 at 18:43
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5/08/2008 at 02:18