ColinMills Posted June 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Colin, Speedybee is definitely your man!! Speedy, we need a Bees fan who is passionate and articulate enough to ' chair ' the meeting. Would Alan Boon be interested? Colin are you on facebook? quite agree, go for it speedybee!! yes on fb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedybee Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I would if I was around. I have chaired various meetings and interviews etc in the past. Problem is I'll be at a wedding in Hay on Wye that day! Any midweek evening would generally have been much better as I seem to be busy every weekend between now and end of summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedybee Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I have made contact with Alan Boon, but he too is unavailable on July 5th. Whilst we both share a feeling that it's not a good idea to get Sandhu's back up, given what happened earlier in the season with the current promotion, I recognise the importance of receiving answers to certain questions which need to be addressed to the stadium owners, if possible before the meeting. Ultimately, the object as I see it would be to form a steering group that works to ensure that speedway continues in Coventry, whether at Brandon or elsewhere, and to involve local MPs, the mayor of Rugby and other influential local figures to help the cause. One of the fundamental questions is do we give up on Brandon as a base for Bees long term and throw all our efforts into looking for a new site or do we leave no stone unturned in seeking out ways to make Brandon work for Sandhu, or to explore ways of buying it off him so that speedway can continue there? The group has to be as proactive as possible in lending whatever support we can - as supporters in finding a secure home, and making sure we understand and are regularly updated on the current status of the stadium. In terms of the search for land, given that all we have to go on is what Jeremy Heaver reported on BBC over bank holiday broadcast from the stadium, very little is happening so far. We also need to ask the right questions of the both the stadium owners and the club's management, to be clear what's happening at Brandon, to reaffirm that we're all working together and get more supporters actively involved in either helping find and secure a new base, or finding ways to make Brandon work as a long term base, if there is indeed any chance of that happening. A thousand or so fans turning up at a stadium that's looking more than a bit tired every week isn't enough - for Sandhu or for us supporters. We need to be doing more... Maybe Sandhu would be prepared to sell some of the shares in the stadium to a co-operative? (athough given what I've read of previous ownership arrangements, that might be messy and would require a very good - and probably expensive - lawyer to piece together any agreements)... The bottom line is that Sandhu could make many millions quickly and easily from a sale of the land for the building rights he seems to think he will get. It's easy to see why he lost faith with speedway but equally it's easily to see why he'd consider selling Brandon. The initial questions that need to be addressed : 1 What is the current status of ownership at Coventry Stadium? If it's for sale, how much is the asking price? 2 Sandhu says that speedway has two more years after this season. Could he qualify what the position will be at the end of 2016 and what he expects to happen with planning / change of usage at Brandon? 3 If the stadium is not viable / profitable at the moment, would a change of planning (ie hotel, gym, sports complex added to the site) persuade him to stay? Haven't the local authority already rejected applications for change of usage? 4 If he is expecting a change of usage at Brandon, what moves are being made to find local land that isn't designated for housing? Can we have a more detailed report on what has happened so far, what the spec (and approx cost) of a new stadium would be, whether Sandhu would be financing this himself, and also what information is needed from any fans who may have time to scout. Just a few things to consider. I'm sure there are many more... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmc82 Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 All really good questions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I have made contact with Alan Boon, but he too is unavailable on July 5th. Whilst we both share a feeling that it's not a good idea to get Sandhu's back up, given what happened earlier in the season with the current promotion, I recognise the importance of receiving answers to certain questions which need to be addressed to the stadium owners, if possible before the meeting. Ultimately, the object as I see it would be to form a steering group that works to ensure that speedway continues in Coventry, whether at Brandon or elsewhere, and to involve local MPs, the mayor of Rugby and other influential local figures to help the cause. One of the fundamental questions is do we give up on Brandon as a base for Bees long term and throw all our efforts into looking for a new site or do we leave no stone unturned in seeking out ways to make Brandon work for Sandhu, or to explore ways of buying it off him so that speedway can continue there? The group has to be as proactive as possible in lending whatever support we can - as supporters in finding a secure home, and making sure we understand and are regularly updated on the current status of the stadium. In terms of the search for land, given that all we have to go on is what Jeremy Heaver reported on BBC over bank holiday broadcast from the stadium, very little is happening so far. We also need to ask the right questions of the both the stadium owners and the club's management, to be clear what's happening at Brandon, to reaffirm that we're all working together and get more supporters actively involved in either helping find and secure a new base, or finding ways to make Brandon work as a long term base, if there is indeed any chance of that happening. A thousand or so fans turning up at a stadium that's looking more than a bit tired every week isn't enough - for Sandhu or for us supporters. We need to be doing more... Maybe Sandhu would be prepared to sell some of the shares in the stadium to a co-operative? (athough given what I've read of previous ownership arrangements, that might be messy and would require a very good - and probably expensive - lawyer to piece together any agreements)... The bottom line is that Sandhu could make many millions quickly and easily from a sale of the land for the building rights he seems to think he will get. It's easy to see why he lost faith with speedway but equally it's easily to see why he'd consider selling Brandon. The initial questions that need to be addressed : 1 What is the current status of ownership at Coventry Stadium? If it's for sale, how much is the asking price? 2 Sandhu says that speedway has two more years after this season. Could he qualify what the position will be at the end of 2016 and what he expects to happen with planning / change of usage at Brandon? 3 If the stadium is not viable / profitable at the moment, would a change of planning (ie hotel, gym, sports complex added to the site) persuade him to stay? Haven't the local authority already rejected applications for change of usage? 4 If he is expecting a change of usage at Brandon, what moves are being made to find local land that isn't designated for housing? Can we have a more detailed report on what has happened so far, what the spec (and approx cost) of a new stadium would be, whether Sandhu would be financing this himself, and also what information is needed from any fans who may have time to scout. Just a few things to consider. I'm sure there are many more... I understand your concern at upsetting Sandhu considering his history of toy throwing , however If like me you do not trust him and think his promisies of finding a new home are simply a red herring to prevent any sort of protest against his plans for Brown belt land that, he himself bought as a sports stadium then I think trying to stop him gaining consent is the best plan . if no planning is already in process it would be my personal choice to take steps to prevent Sandhu gaining such permissions , with the best will in the world and a great big wad of cash as well I do not believe another site could be found which would not attract opposition from some Nimby , not just in the coventry area but this side of the moon , and brandon remaining the bees base is the only hope for speedway in Coventry in the future, lets not waste the time of Mark Pawsey with if's and buts , lets get off the fence and prevent our stadium being taken away while we stand and watch ,Look after this one because there won't be another 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catabracadabra Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 Very good questions, which I think the Coventry fans quite Frankly need the honest answers too. Fight for brandon while we still have it, because quite rightly said there won't be another. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philfromcov Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 if you pee of the landlord, he can just refuse the bees to use the stadium, its a very fine line. id like to know the details of the convenant on the land first to determine our position, isnt that something we can just ask RBC for? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 if you pee of the landlord, he can just refuse the bees to use the stadium, its a very fine line. id like to know the details of the convenant on the land first to determine our position, isnt that something we can just ask RBC for? yes I certain ly wouldn't want to see the Bees wind up in the same boat as Cradley did with the Pughs . standing outside a derelict and empty stadium them saying no speedway and Cradley saying no houses , because in the end theres only one winner , difference here is rugby council and MP are the the right side . so proviidng they stick to their guns the outcome would be use the land for it's intended purprose or leave it idle . either way you aint making a big profit Sandhu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philfromcov Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 yes I certain ly wouldn't want to see the Bees wind up in the same boat as Cradley did with the Pughs . standing outside a derelict and empty stadium them saying no speedway and Cradley saying no houses , because in the end theres only one winner , difference here is rugby council and MP are the the right side . so proviidng they stick to their guns the outcome would be use the land for it's intended purprose or leave it idle . either way you aint making a big profit Sandhu they are on the right side because a general election is coming up, after that they wont care at all, this is politicians for you, there support cannot be relied upon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deanr1 Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 Totally agree with the above comments, the end of Brandon will be the end of the Bees in my opinion. There is no chance of Sandhu finding a site, getting planning permission, and building a stadium by March 2017 even if he did want to. Our only hope is to somehow stay at Brandon, we need a miracle really, or a speedway fan / consortium with more than a few quid who could afford to buy the stadium! If only Sandhu could rediscover his love for the Bees and get behind us again... Wishful thinking I know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philfromcov Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Totally agree with the above comments, the end of Brandon will be the end of the Bees in my opinion. There is no chance of Sandhu finding a site, getting planning permission, and building a stadium by March 2017 even if he did want to. Our only hope is to somehow stay at Brandon, we need a miracle really, or a speedway fan / consortium with more than a few quid who could afford to buy the stadium! If only Sandhu could rediscover his love for the Bees and get behind us again... Wishful thinking I know! the site is only for sale for £1million, 1000 supporters £1k each 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
False dawn Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 At this stage I think it very unwise to antagonise Mr Sandhu. He owns the stadium and as far as we know there may be little chance of getting planning permission to build houses there. Remember, he did try to get planning permission to build a fitness centre on the site some time ago and was refused. There were also ru+mours that he wanted to build a greyhound centre on the site of the garden centre opposite the stadium but was refused permission. Yes, he has become very disillusioned with all things speedway but my feeling is that if the necessary planning permission was not forthcoming he would cut his losses and sell up. At least then we have the chance that a buyer could be found for a viable venue. The last thing we want is for the stadium to be left empty for any period of time. This could really be the end for the Bees, Storm and Vikings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 At this stage I think it very unwise to antagonise Mr Sandhu. He owns the stadium and as far as we know there may be little chance of getting planning permission to build houses there. Remember, he did try to get planning permission to build a fitness centre on the site some time ago and was refused. There were also ru+mours that he wanted to build a greyhound centre on the site of the garden centre opposite the stadium but was refused permission. Yes, he has become very disillusioned with all things speedway but my feeling is that if the necessary planning permission was not forthcoming he would cut his losses and sell up. At least then we have the chance that a buyer could be found for a viable venue. The last thing we want is for the stadium to be left empty for any period of time. This could really be the end for the Bees, Storm and Vikings. What would you suggest then leave it until 2016 and see what happens ? then if Sandhu has slipped planning though without resitance and no new site is viable start protesting to overturn the planning apps and keep Brandon as a speedway , Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 the site is only for sale for £1million, 1000 supporters £1k each 2000 at £500! This is so the way to go!! I'll have a share! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 2000 at £500! This is so the way to go!! I'll have a share! If you turned up today with 1 million quid in your hand do you think Sandhu would say oh thanks very much heres the keys . you can have it for what I paid and I'll not worry about the 9, million profit I planned to make 12 years ago when I bought in and pushed the Ochiltrees out so I could develop the place 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 If you turned up today with 1 million quid in your hand do you think Sandhu would say oh thanks very much heres the keys . you can have it for what I paid and I'll not worry about the 9, million profit I planned to make 12 years ago when I bought in and pushed the Ochiltrees out so I could develop the place At the end of the day that's what it's all about. Business. And you cannot allow sentiment to influence business. A hard, cold fact of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 At the end of the day that's what it's all about. Business. And you cannot allow sentiment to influence business. A hard, cold fact of life. Too true Gustix. Sad but true. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 At the end of the day that's what it's all about. Business. And you cannot allow sentiment to influence business. A hard, cold fact of life. Business is business, I agree Gustix, but if you are a businessman taking on an existing leisure facility, part and parcel of your moral obligation, in my opinion, is to take into consideration that there may be a large number of people who enjoy the facility and indeed it is part of their life. Therefore, I believe, if you are a businessman taking on something, such as, an existing stadium, you should morally not even consider selling and making a profit, until you have secured the continuation of the facility at another venue. Otherwise, all you have done, is con the loyal supporters, made peoples lives unhappy and at best, only provided a stay of execution. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Business is business, I agree Gustix, but if you are a businessman taking on an existing leisure facility, part and parcel of your moral obligation, in my opinion, is to take into consideration that there may be a large number of people who enjoy the facility and indeed it is part of their life. Therefore, I believe, if you are a businessman taking on something, such as, an existing stadium, you should morally not even consider selling and making a profit, until you have secured the continuation of the facility at another venue. Otherwise, all you have done, is con the loyal supporters, made peoples lives unhappy and at best, only provided a stay of execution. Not too many businessmen live by those Rules Ray. It would be great if they did. There are those who would argue that morals don't come in to business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 (edited) Not too many businessmen live by those Rules Ray. It would be great if they did. There are those who would argue that morals don't come in to business. I know TWK, that is the problem. And to be fair we have seen so called 'speedway friendly' business people sell speedway down the river, e.g. John Davis, Weymouth and the Pugh family, Cradley Heath. And, allegedly, the Ochiltrees, at Leicester. I have to say, when Mr Sandhu took over at Coventry I was a bit concerned, as and not wishing to sound racist, speedway and motorsport, is not a usual Asian persons interest. Edited June 13, 2014 by Ray Stadia 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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