Last updated 07:55, Wednesday, 08 October 2008

It is of great concern to me that the Derwent Valley task group made up of Allerdale councillors has expressed its desire to see a combined stadium for Workington Reds and Workington Town RLFC, despite the necessary financial information not being provided to Workington Reds.

Workington Reds are a club that are financially in the black.

Through prudence the board have managed to stabilise the club over the last decade, and this has ensured that future generations will have a local football team to support.

Allerdale Council has made no attempt to ensure the club that the combined stadium would be a financially viable option.

As I write the council has not disclosed what the rent would be or how the match day revenue for bar taking etc would be distributed.

Some members of the local community have accused the Reds of having a backward attitude as they have opposed the plans, but what other stance can they take? It would be gross incompetence on their part if they were to agree to the plans without reassurance that the club’s financial future would be assured.

There are examples of football clubs who have been priced out of shared stadiums – this happened to Runcorn FC who shared with Widnes RLFC.

The club ceased to exist due to the financial restraints in 2006.

In addition to this the council has not made any attempt to consult or reassure the club or fans about the other areas of concern they have.

Why should the Reds put their blind faith in a council that has shown scant regard for their well being in the past?

The majority of the town did not want the council to sell the Cloffocks and now the council do not have the necessary support from the public to go ahead with the combined stadium project.

GAVIN ROONEY
Moor Road
Stainburn
Workington