Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2008 16:48:00 GMT
In line with si's posting, here's a couple of questions which need answers in light of the "seal or no deal" arrangement with Careys.
1. Is the £7 million placed under an Escrow agreement? and if not (or even if so)
2. What is the compensation arrangement in place if planning permission cannot be obtained or if Careys just say "goodbye"
From what I see so far, Careys have committed nothing but a piece of paper which can be ripped up at anytime, and a sponsorship agreement which is already two fifths spent with three fifths yet to be paid.
St Modwen are committing to the costs of their side of the project, and City are committing to their costs to St. Modwen by mortgaging off whats left in the equity in the ground.
Everyone knows that there's no overage in the deal (Alan Williams has told us all in no uncertain terms) so all we end up with is whats not been committed to St. Modwen for their car showrooms.
If times get really tough and Careys are struglling, they'll do the right and proper thing and contract back into their core business, and it aint housing!!! Careys are no mugs, they've got a business to run on a business footing. They bought SGL in a fire sale after Bellway Homes pulled out in the eleventh hour for some reason, but they still bought on the high side. If nothing is set in stone, and no money lodged at Escrow, then whats stopping Careys renegotiating??
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Post by prestonwcfc on Sept 19, 2008 16:58:41 GMT
Mr Ward - I respect that you need to give Dave Boddy a fair right to reply without spin. And that I believe you have done. However I do have two concerns.
Firstly your statement at the start of this thread I now believe was sensationalist encouraging people to buy your paper when in reality it delivered no new facts.
Secondly only when challenged have you offered a follow up in future nights papers. Instead where does it say in tonights edition (which i mistakenly drove 50 miles to get) that you would be printing reader comments or even offereing a similar opportunity to deliver a view from other parties. Have you approached Wayne, Mr Ward, other directors, SHAG, members of the new trust board for similar interviews. Has Mr Boddy been asked what a new chairman should bring to the job.
The questions you asked were basic. I look forward to the follow up, or do you leave it here after a little critisism ?
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Post by creaner on Sept 19, 2008 17:41:20 GMT
I have to admit to being somewhat bemused by the reaction to our reports today. A number of you have criticised the Worcester News in recent weeks for allegedly not asking questions about the situation at Worcester City. Now we have done so, they weren't the right questions! In truth, of course, you don't like the answers - but we cannot be held responsible for that. You'll forgive me if I reserve the right as editor to determine the way in which my staff go about their jobs. Our job is to report in a balanced and objective way - not to serve the interests of any particular group, lobby or organisation. I've taken the decision that a useful way to advance the issues surrounding the club was to offer Dave Boddy the opportunity to respond to a series of set questions that I hoped summed up the majority of supporters' concerns. We have printed his responses as we received them without editing. That way we could not be accused of spin and people could make up their own minds about whether the answers to our questions were satisfactory. We will, over the coming days, publish the reaction to Mr Boddy's answers from supporters like yourselves and continue to ask questions about the way in which the club is being run. In the meantime, might I suggest that one or two of you might try thinking before typing. You have every right to rubbish what we do if that's your view - but if your reaction to anything you don't like or agree with is to lob insults then don't expect me to react favourably to it. To be specific: cg - please feel free, as the fine journalist you believe yourself to be, to conduct your own investigations. I await your reports with interest. Birdfeeder - when you know nothing about a subject, in this case my newspaper and my staff, it really is better to keep quiet. Clearly I made a mistake in attempting to engage with people on this messageboard. Lesson learned. Kevin Ward Editor Worcester News Kevin. All the responses to the article have been written out of passion and a deep concern about where we are going to end up. A message board is always going to be tough place to make a measured point! You're right, we don't like the answers DB gave but that's not really why we're angry. Take another look at Doc Sorensens resignation statement then ask yourself if the replies Boddy gave that "everything is well" really explain the heartfelt plea the Doc made for the Board to go. It doesn't add up. Keep digging-The truth is out there!
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Post by gobby cow on Sept 19, 2008 17:51:26 GMT
Kevin Ward - you need to follow up with another question rather than just accept the drivel that has been coming out of the man's mouth for months now.
Total waste of time and 35p
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Post by birdfeeder on Sept 19, 2008 19:08:02 GMT
I have to admit to being somewhat bemused by the reaction to our reports today. A number of you have criticised the Worcester News in recent weeks for allegedly not asking questions about the situation at Worcester City. Now we have done so, they weren't the right questions! In truth, of course, you don't like the answers - but we cannot be held responsible for that. You'll forgive me if I reserve the right as editor to determine the way in which my staff go about their jobs. Our job is to report in a balanced and objective way - not to serve the interests of any particular group, lobby or organisation. I've taken the decision that a useful way to advance the issues surrounding the club was to offer Dave Boddy the opportunity to respond to a series of set questions that I hoped summed up the majority of supporters' concerns. We have printed his responses as we received them without editing. That way we could not be accused of spin and people could make up their own minds about whether the answers to our questions were satisfactory. We will, over the coming days, publish the reaction to Mr Boddy's answers from supporters like yourselves and continue to ask questions about the way in which the club is being run. In the meantime, might I suggest that one or two of you might try thinking before typing. You have every right to rubbish what we do if that's your view - but if your reaction to anything you don't like or agree with is to lob insults then don't expect me to react favourably to it. To be specific: cg - please feel free, as the fine journalist you believe yourself to be, to conduct your own investigations. I await your reports with interest. Birdfeeder - when you know nothing about a subject, in this case my newspaper and my staff, it really is better to keep quiet. Clearly I made a mistake in attempting to engage with people on this messageboard. Lesson learned. Kevin Ward Editor Worcester News I suggest you get your staff to go out and get the true facts, and learn to get the truth and not report what you think is the truth,and just for the record I do know a little bit about small time local papers. Lesson learned
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Post by creaner on Sept 19, 2008 20:06:01 GMT
If the Worcester News can't see it we'll go to H&W, Standard, Non League papers, Non League show, Sunday Mercury- anyone who needs to know the reality. It ain't over till the fat bar steward sings. Bring it on.
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Post by almasno9 on Sept 19, 2008 20:10:16 GMT
FAO Kevin Ward - as a City supporter I do appreciate the fact you gave Dave Boddy a chance to speak to the press but I have an immense sense of frustration that his vague responses are not being challenged. To me it is no different to the Times inviting Gordon Brown to answer some set questions to which he responds that the economy is in rude health, the economic prospects are fantastic and that we have never had it better. If you were to read that would you not feel the journalist responsible should query his answers and ask for evidence of the promises he is making? I know I certainly would.
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Post by tim on Sept 19, 2008 20:14:37 GMT
Totally agree. I've mailed Kevin Ward privately asking him to see that some more relevant issues are raised, and that some of the responses provided to date are challenged and investigated. This is the biggest thing that has ever happened to this club in over 100 years - the local media won't have as much to sell copy about if they don't at least use their investigative journalistic skills (assuming they have someone capable of course) to find out what is going on and why it is going on. I know that if I was a local rag journo I'd be itching to get stuck into it. Steve Carley - man or mouse?
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Post by almasno9 on Sept 19, 2008 20:20:09 GMT
or the man with his hand on a mouse!!!
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andyc
Reserve Teamer
Posts: 60
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Post by andyc on Sept 19, 2008 22:16:23 GMT
Kevin Ward's reaction is very disappointing indeed as he honestly seems to think he has done a good job in giving Boddy a forum to spout more tosh, without the midlest challenge (eg just why were the auditors changed just when the accounts were due and did they ask Wayne for his version of events re the website) and placate the morons who simply cannot recognise this club is verging on collapse and the move to Nunnery Way is pure fantasy. Kevin, for God's sake look at what is being said on this forum about what is actually going on at the club and don't spit your dummy out like a bloody baby! Yes, there is a lot of opinionated rubbish, but any half-decent journo can pick up the obvious key points that keep cropping up. I'd be happy to point them out to you if you would like to PM me, and I will give you my mobile number.
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si1268
Reserve Teamer
Posts: 147
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Post by si1268 on Sept 19, 2008 23:19:54 GMT
Besides 35p is outrageous for such a rubbish paper! Almost prophetic given the response of Mr Ward. Who ever heard of an editor being upset by few footy fans on a message board. Either he's in the wrong job or he needs to grow up a bit.
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Post by DazaB on Sept 20, 2008 1:05:51 GMT
Well done to the Evening News for asking some of the questions people have been asking on here.
I know a lot of this is a repetition, but these are in language I understand!
Why were the auditors changed 'quite near to the deadline' for filing the accounts to Companies House?
If the sale is subject to planning permissions being gained, what assurances do the club have that Carey's New homes will do their utmost to gain planning permission?
How is the club debt only £800,000? Will we be debt free in less than 10 years at the current trend without needing to move grounds?
In addition to the £5.15million how much will the club require by way of grants to build a suitable ground? What are the provisions should the said grants be refused, or less than 5.15million be available?
Do you have any forecasts regarding the potential profits from enabling development?
When did the scheme to deliver a stadium the City can be proud of become phased?
What does the 'pre planning consultation meeting' with St Modwen involve that is so important as to delay the AGM? What further details will we know about Nunnery way after the meeting has taken place?
What is the last legal date that the club can announce and hold an AGM?
What would you describe as an appropriate successor?
Is Barry Ward an appropriate successor? If not, what qualities does he lack that the current board posses?
Why are you 'continuing to search' for a successor? Do you not believe you are up to the job? When did you begin the search?
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Post by Tony is not to despondent now. on Sept 20, 2008 8:13:00 GMT
But, Mr Ward, the picture Boddy painted in his answers to your questions, was not the picture he and his henchmen showed at the shareholders meeting at SGL or the public meeting in the Whitehouse.
Where the debt revealed was far greater than in his answers to your questions.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2008 9:09:12 GMT
"....his answers to your questions, was not the picture he and his henchmen showed at the shareholders meeting at SGL or the public meeting in the Whitehouse."
So either he lied to us or to your reporter Mr Ward. Even if you're happy to conduct the interview in a question and answer format - surely the fact that you've been misled must rile you? Doesn't this fact alone make you and your staff want to investigate further?
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dragon
First Teamer
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Post by dragon on Sept 20, 2008 10:13:34 GMT
`Don`t shoot the messenger`is a very old saying which carries much merit. Slagging off WN will achieve nothing as they are in no way to blame for the state of affairs which exists at St.George`s Lane.Most local newspapers seek to maintain good relations with sporting organisations in their area as to do otherwise results in a news embargo decidedly not in their interests. In my very wide experience,the best we can hope for is that the WN Editor will ensure that any measured and sensible reponse to Chairman Boddy gets equal publicity. They are on the case at last-softly,softly catchy........
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2008 11:02:26 GMT
I agree with you Dragon. At least they're on the case. I just hope they follow it up.
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Post by voiceofreason on Sept 20, 2008 11:17:57 GMT
`Don`t shoot the messenger`is a very old saying which carries much merit. Slagging off WN will achieve nothing as they are in no way to blame for the state of affairs which exists at St.George`s Lane.Most local newspapers seek to maintain good relations with sporting organisations in their area as to do otherwise results in a news embargo decidedly not in their interests. In my very wide experience,the best we can hope for is that the WN Editor will ensure that any measured and sensible reponse to Chairman Boddy gets equal publicity. They are on the case at last-softly,softly catchy........ Spot on. KW's alright. he's just a journo' in sleepy Worcs, FFS! Was at school with him. His only fault is that he was a Liverpool fanatic then!
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cg
Squad Member
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Post by cg on Sept 20, 2008 11:18:22 GMT
cg - please feel free, as the fine journalist you believe yourself to be, to conduct your own investigations. I await your reports with interest. Clearly I made a mistake in attempting to engage with people on this messageboard. Lesson learned. Kevin Ward Editor Worcester News Kevin, I will write to you personally in detail because there is no need to bore the readers and contributors to this MB with journalistic protocol or issues - however I trust you will take note of their responses. I am also sure they have their own professional qualifications and standings - but, for the record, seeing as you have chose to publically question my background, no, I don't overly concern myself with the personal vanity you suggest. I prefer the opinion of colleagues, peers and, as a freelance, the people who chose to employ me. So for the record, I have just got back from being Senior English Editor of the official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games website. I won the 2007 Sony Radio Academy gold award for "Speech Programme of the Year" (Radio 4 's The Reunion). I used to present 5 Live's sports investigative series On The Line (described as: “valuable work from a team that has done so much to chase down the malpractices that blight our national game”), and before that worked as a reporter for Radio 4's consumer programme You & Yours for seven years - both programmes where the kind of issues at WCFC and interviews with far more significant people than Dave Boddy, are fairly standard meat and drink. Oh, I am also the author of three critically acclaimed football books. The last one, Matchday, descibed by one critic as "probably the best book ever written about the heart and soul of British football..." And you know what? It features Worcester City FC. As for my own investigations. Well, I have been in China for the past three months so unable to do anything during that period. Also, sadly, matters at Worcester City FC slip under the radar of the type of publications I write for. Crucially, I don't have the remit of working for the local daily newspaper - so I would have nowhere to publish any such research. However, your newspaper does have that prvilege - which is why there is frustration. There appears to be too little scrutiny of the demise of a much loved local institution and nowhere near enough analysis of the weak answers provided by the club. I fully accept these are not easy issues to get to grips with - particularly when the club fails to publish its overdue accounts and it can all look rather complicated. But that's journalism! I don't, however, believe you are being asked to "take sides," just to provide some journalistic analysis. Surely as someone who edits a lcoal newspaper, you must recognise this? Without scrutiny, Dave Boddy and the so-called 'gang of four' have run roughshod over the interests of shareholders and supporters of Worcester City FC, even though, it is plainly obvious their are very serious issues at the club.
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Post by blackpole on Sept 21, 2008 11:08:16 GMT
In a nutshell, DB gave the same bollocks in the NonLeague last week, as he did in the WN this week. Nothing new, just the same old bollocks which I am suprised the WM accepted so easily. In fact, DB said in the Non League that news would be released this week ... so not only has he been lying locally, he's now doing it nationally ..... the only thing I admire about DB is his nerve ..........
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