City's Future At Ricoh Arena Was Limited To Four Years - Duggins

Last updated : 12 December 2018 By CNS Sport

Coventry City Council Leader George Duggins has backed his joint statement of last week that the council's October 2014 public written committment to the security and future of Coventry City Football Club under the Ricoh Arena's sale was limited to just four years.

The Coventry Observer have questioned Cllr Duggins on this and he replied: “I don’t regard anything misleading about the statement. As for public opinion I believe the vast majority of people in Coventry share our view that it in the gift of the owners to solve this matter.

“By the way on the four year tenancy between 2014 and 2018, in fact it was a two plus two year tenancy.

“I am happy to stand by what Gary and I have said. “Public opinion is firmly on our side and will remain so.

“Did anyone hear the Dave Boddy interview on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire?

“He asked what has changed since (this year’s) one year extension (on the Ricoh tenancy). And why negotiations could not go ahead as previously.

“Omitting that Wasps had made clear ‘no further deals’ if legal action continued.

“It reminds me of someone who sets their house on fire and blames the fire brigade for not getting there quick enough."

On whether he as a Ricoh Arena freeholder would meet the club, he said: “Of course, once the legals are dropped or exhausted.

“Essentially the main negotiations are not ones we can have any influence over.

“It is now time for Coventry City shareholders to demonstrate their love for the club by dropping the legals, allowing the opening of negotiations. They can’t absolve themselves of responsibility for the future wellbeing of the club, and pass it on to others.”

Councilor Gary Ridley said: “Just to re-iterate our position, the Conservative group supports the actions which the council has taken.

“We’re confident that Coventry City Council has acted in the best interests of the city’s taxpayers. We also believe that all legal action by Sisu-related companies needs to come to an end. 

“I completely agree with these comments from George and I am happy to add my name to them too.”