Stadium

[Porrohman]

Oct 24, 2023 12:01:24 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

Oct 24, 2023 11:38:01 GMT 1 Randy Watson said:

Exactly what did the Giants bring to the party in the first place ?

They brought plenty to it when it was built

Like what ? The thing I remember the most is for about 4 or 5 years the stadium kept them in Super League because the RFL didn't want to relegate the team with, at the time, the only decent stadium that had rugby league played in it.

[htafcokay]

Oct 24, 2023 12:01:24 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

Oct 24, 2023 11:38:01 GMT 1 Randy Watson said:

Exactly what did the Giants bring to the party in the first place ?

They brought plenty to it when it was built

"The Giants put sweet fuck all into the ground at the start" were the exact words John Harman said to me when I had a conversation with him in 2019.

[Orinoco]

Oct 24, 2023 12:40:58 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

Oct 24, 2023 12:01:24 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

They brought plenty to it when it was built

Like what ? The thing I remember the most is for about 4 or 5 years the stadium kept them in Super League because the RFL didn't want to relegate the team with, at the time, the only decent stadium that had rugby league played in it.

Giants got fast tracked into super league in 1997 when Paris St Germain dissappeared, this was due to the stadium which was brand spanking new back then. They got relegated a few seasons later with only 3 wins all season. They came back the season after without losing a game, so are there in there own rights now. As an ex Giants season ticket holder the atmosphere is a damp squib and most super league clubs fans say it is the worst atmosphere in the league. They must lose money hand over fist each season and will be interesting to see what happens when Ken packs it in. A 10k stadium would be ideal for them, but the small problem of money would be the stumbling block. He did buy sports ground at lockwood, dunno if he still owns them though.

[turbo2]

Oct 24, 2023 12:40:58 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

Oct 24, 2023 12:01:24 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

They brought plenty to it when it was built

Like what ? The thing I remember the most is for about 4 or 5 years the stadium kept them in Super League because the RFL didn't want to relegate the team with, at the time, the only decent stadium that had rugby league played in it.

The bloke who was head of it being built was adamant that without the giants the money wasn’t available to build the stadium. I think it was largely through external funding to them as a separate entity….

Can’t remember his name. I was invited into the building site months before it was anywhere near opening

[incognito]

Oct 24, 2023 12:45:07 GMT 1 htafcokay said:

Oct 24, 2023 12:01:24 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

They brought plenty to it when it was built

"The Giants put sweet fuck all into the ground at the start" were the exact words John Harman said to me when I had a conversation with him in 2019.

That's right. Their total capital contribution to the project was £200k towards the subsequent North Stand construction.

[Solihull Terrier]

Oct 24, 2023 10:24:46 GMT 1 Gag N Bone Man said:

www.totalrl.com/huddersfield-giants-seek-john-smiths-stadium-solution-with-council-keen-to-give-up-control/

The Giants apparently want to take partial control.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS could take more control in operating the John Smith’s Stadium after cash-strapped Kirklees Council made it clear they want no further involvement in its running and will put a stop on their funding of the failing management company which controls the venue.

Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KSDL) is owned by Kirklees Council (40 percent), Huddersfield Town Football Club (40 percent) and the Giants (20 percent) and negotiations over the future of the facility, which is almost 30 years old and in need of significant maintenance work, are ongoing.

The council, which has loaned millions of pounds to KSDL, warned in March 2021 that the management company was on the brink of going bust.

But talks have so far failed to produce any agreement on how to move forward. A report by the authority has made it clear that KSDL are only surviving through money pumped in by the Giants and Huddersfield Town, who were recently taken over by American businessman Kevin Nagle.

It stated: “The council has been clear that it does not wish to be involved in the future management of KSDL or the stadium and has made clear that beyond the financial restructuring that has already been agreed, the council will not contribute further funding to facilitate the day-to-day operation of KSDL.

“Its continued ability to operate is based on commitments by the other parties to ensure the company has adequate cashflow to ensure that it can meet its obligations and by a council agreement not to pursue debts outstanding at the present time.”

In December of last year, the council’s cabinet gave approval for senior officers to enter negotiations with the two clubs over handing “operational control” to Huddersfield Town.

Now the cabinet is being asked to amend that to include the Giants, with the report adding: “The previous agreement was that officers could negotiate a settlement position that provided for HTFC to take operational control which, given the corporate structure, would require them to acquire all of the shares.

“An alternative option is for the other two parties to agree a structure whereby either HTAFC or Huddersfield Sporting Pride Ltd (the Giants) take effective control individually or together, but this is not provided for by the current cabinet authority.

“It is suggested that having wider options for negotiation of a solution that meets the needs and desires of both clubs would be desirable.

“It is also important that in this arrangement, the owners provide evidence of an effective operating model that meets their needs and gives the council as freeholder (owners of the land on which the stadium is situated) some assurance.”

That is indeed the headline, but nowhere in the article is any intention stated on the behalf of the Giants that they will be trying to exert more control.

There's nothing here that wasn't already news, it's just written by a rugby-centric journo who assumes it must be good news for the Giants. Odd article really.

[Randy Watson]

Oct 24, 2023 13:17:23 GMT 1 incognito said:

Oct 24, 2023 12:45:07 GMT 1 htafcokay said:

"The Giants put sweet fuck all into the ground at the start" were the exact words John Harman said to me when I had a conversation with him in 2019.

That's right. Their total capital contribution to the project was £200k towards the subsequent North Stand construction.

That's what I thought, so not a lot then. They should be happy to be our tenants or clear off

[royrace]

Oct 24, 2023 11:57:26 GMT 1 Baby Ate My Eight Ball said:

Could this be some sort of negotiating tactics from the Giants? Or a complete block to a quick sale, leading to a long, drawn out process?

I think its just the council stating the facts of the matter. The Giants do have the right to get involved, whether they'll want to be is another matter. I suspect they'll be keen to let Town take it on providing they retain the right to play there at a reasonable cost. 

[Solihull Terrier]

Oct 24, 2023 13:17:23 GMT 1 incognito said:

Oct 24, 2023 12:45:07 GMT 1 htafcokay said:

"The Giants put sweet fuck all into the ground at the start" were the exact words John Harman said to me when I had a conversation with him in 2019.

That's right. Their total capital contribution to the project was £200k towards the subsequent North Stand construction.

I seem to recall that one of the significant grants provided was done so on the basis that it must be a joint football/rugby facility. I imagine a larger financial contribution from the council was also able to be justified as it would help both the town's professional sports teams.

[Sparrow]

Whilst I understand why the Giants want to stay part of the ownership of the stadium from a financial perspective - if it ever gets properly developed & run and makes millions in profit, they get a slice - the stadium itself is way way to big for them.

For me the ideal scenario would be for the Giants to be bought out by Town - by a very generous financial offer - allowing Town to negotiate with the council for their 40%.

Then the Giants move to a purpose built, 10K capacity stadium, which they they share with Town Women's team, as part of the agreement of Towns very generous financial offer for their 20%. Maybe Town might need to contribute to the costs as their women's team would play there.

That way Town are able to negotiate directly with with the Council and probably conclude a deal quite quickly.

The Giants are able to build a purpose build stadium that suits their fan back and RL away followings.

And Town ladies get to play at a stadium that's better than Storthes Hall.

Pretty much never gonna happen whilst KD is at the Giants though.

[Orinoco]

Oct 24, 2023 14:41:00 GMT 1 Sparrow said:

Whilst I understand why the Giants want to stay part of the ownership of the stadium from a financial perspective - if it ever gets properly developed & run and makes millions in profit, they get a slice - the stadium itself is way way to big for them.

For me the ideal scenario would be for the Giants to be bought out by Town - by a very generous financial offer - allowing Town to negotiate with the council for their 40%.

Then the Giants move to a purpose built, 10K capacity stadium, which they they share with Town Women's team, as part of the agreement of Towns very generous financial offer for their 20%. Maybe Town might need to contribute to the costs as their women's team would play there.

That way Town are able to negotiate directly with with the Council and probably conclude a deal quite quickly.

The Giants are able to build a purpose build stadium that suits their fan back and RL away followings.

And Town ladies get to play at a stadium that's better than Storthes Hall.

Pretty much never gonna happen whilst KD is at the Giants though.

If Davy sill does own lockwood park could happen there?, also must be space at old golf range?, it's all down to money again, Town Ladies and giants sharing is a good idea.

[incognito]

Oct 24, 2023 14:41:00 GMT 1 Sparrow said:

Whilst I understand why the Giants want to stay part of the ownership of the stadium from a financial perspective - if it ever gets properly developed & run and makes millions in profit, they get a slice - the stadium itself is way way to big for them.

For me the ideal scenario would be for the Giants to be bought out by Town - by a very generous financial offer - allowing Town to negotiate with the council for their 40%.

Then the Giants move to a purpose built, 10K capacity stadium, which they they share with Town Women's team, as part of the agreement of Towns very generous financial offer for their 20%. Maybe Town might need to contribute to the costs as their women's team would play there.

That way Town are able to negotiate directly with with the Council and probably conclude a deal quite quickly.

The Giants are able to build a purpose build stadium that suits their fan back and RL away followings.

And Town ladies get to play at a stadium that's better than Storthes Hall.

Pretty much never gonna happen whilst KD is at the Giants though.

KN on WYS a couple of weeks ago: "I think the Giants, as you may know, they have their vision for the future as well, and I think they would like to have their own stadium". (www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gfnyyy from 12:27).

Whether that means they are looking at the possibility of an alternative facility (difficult to envisage how that could be funded given KMC's seemingly perilous financial state), or they are keen to assume their share of the liabilities and future capital requirements for a KSDL-free future at the existing one, who knows?   

[detox]

can't they redevelop Fartown? isn't the facility still there, albeit dilapidated? who owns it now anyway?

[detox]

[Melc]

Oct 24, 2023 15:45:19 GMT 1 detox said:

can't they redevelop Fartown? isn't the facility still there, albeit dilapidated? who owns it now anyway?

They could build a small stadium on their training  ground at the old YMCA sports complex Davy has bought.

[Orinoco]

Oct 24, 2023 17:57:23 GMT 1 Melc said:

Oct 24, 2023 15:45:19 GMT 1 detox said:

can't they redevelop Fartown? isn't the facility still there, albeit dilapidated? who owns it now anyway?

They could build a small stadium on their training  ground at the old YMCA sports complex Davy has bought.

Yep the fartown ground and floodlights are still there. St Joseph play there.

[Porrohman]

Oct 24, 2023 18:00:33 GMT 1 Orinoco said:

Oct 24, 2023 17:57:23 GMT 1 Melc said:

They could build a small stadium on their training  ground at the old YMCA sports complex Davy has bought.

Yep the fartown ground and floodlights are still there. St Joseph play there.

It was in a right state when my daughter played there. Most of the lights are buggered and all the terracing has gone, what's left is completely overgrown. Parking would be a problem too

[detox]

Oct 24, 2023 18:19:28 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

Oct 24, 2023 18:00:33 GMT 1 Orinoco said:

Yep the fartown ground and floodlights are still there. St Joseph play there.

It was in a right state when my daughter played there. Most of the lights are buggered and all the terracing has gone, what's left is completely overgrown. Parking would be a problem too

they used to park round the cricket ground, but mainly street parking..we went on the bus from crosland moor..back in the day..

[mids]

Oct 24, 2023 11:38:01 GMT 1 Randy Watson said:

Oct 24, 2023 10:52:06 GMT 1 townarentbest said:

So what they're saying is any hope of a swift change in control of the stadium is out of the window, as the Giants want to stay on board, which means going back through the council cabinet process ?

Exactly what did the Giants bring to the party in the first place ?

Only thing they brought was themselves. No capital. No collateral. Their presence was to merely garner more monies from grants etc, for a multi sport venture.

[Million Dollar Babies]

Can't they just move to Salendine Nook High School playing fields. You could fit their 500 fans around the outside of the pitch

[Randy Watson]

Oct 24, 2023 18:19:28 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

Oct 24, 2023 18:00:33 GMT 1 Orinoco said:

Yep the fartown ground and floodlights are still there. St Joseph play there.

It was in a right state when my daughter played there. Most of the lights are buggered and all the terracing has gone, what's left is completely overgrown. Parking would be a problem too

Doubt it 😆

[BLUE&WHITE]

All parties acting as though they are rightful owners. Town should call in the debts.

Giants can't afford to keep putting money in.

Kirklees act as though they are entitled to the debt, MP Sheerman acting as though the council writing off debt is a horrific thing, when in reality it's the council that would be fked if it didn't.

[Teddington Ted]

Oct 24, 2023 19:24:20 GMT 1 BLUE&WHITE said:

All parties acting as though they are rightful owners. Town should call in the debts.

Giants can't afford to keep putting money in.

Kirklees act as though they are entitled to the debt, MP Sheerman acting as though the council writing off debt is a horrific thing, when in reality it's the council that would be fked if it didn't.

Nothing worse than an owner thinking he’s entitled to recoup the debt that his own mis-management has put on an institution.

[BLUE&WHITE]

What stoke have done with their music and lighting looks immense.

[townarentbest]

So I guess we need some blue lights...

[Porrohman]

Oct 26, 2023 12:24:06 GMT 1 townarentbest said:

So I guess we need some blue lights...

Keep going like this and there'll be nearly as many empty seats

[Orinoco]

Oct 24, 2023 18:40:16 GMT 1 detox said:

Oct 24, 2023 18:19:28 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

It was in a right state when my daughter played there. Most of the lights are buggered and all the terracing has gone, what's left is completely overgrown. Parking would be a problem too

they used to park round the cricket ground, but mainly street parking..we went on the bus from crosland moor..back in the day..

A minibus used to go from hoyling club in Linfit.

[Jello Biafra]

Oct 24, 2023 14:56:34 GMT 1 Orinoco said:

Oct 24, 2023 14:41:00 GMT 1 Sparrow said:

Whilst I understand why the Giants want to stay part of the ownership of the stadium from a financial perspective - if it ever gets properly developed & run and makes millions in profit, they get a slice - the stadium itself is way way to big for them.

For me the ideal scenario would be for the Giants to be bought out by Town - by a very generous financial offer - allowing Town to negotiate with the council for their 40%.

Then the Giants move to a purpose built, 10K capacity stadium, which they they share with Town Women's team, as part of the agreement of Towns very generous financial offer for their 20%. Maybe Town might need to contribute to the costs as their women's team would play there.

That way Town are able to negotiate directly with with the Council and probably conclude a deal quite quickly.

The Giants are able to build a purpose build stadium that suits their fan back and RL away followings.

And Town ladies get to play at a stadium that's better than Storthes Hall.

Pretty much never gonna happen whilst KD is at the Giants though.

If Davy sill does own lockwood park could happen there?, also must be space at old golf range?, it's all down to money again, Town Ladies and giants sharing is a good idea.

Crooked Ken bought Woodfield Park, Lockwood - the old Police Sports Grounds. He made a lot of noise at the time about developing it as Fartown's new training complex, similar to when Dean Hoyle bought the old ICI Rec Club to turn it into Canalside. From memory, he got the Fartown playing squad to demolish the old buildings on site, 'ready for development'. Since that was many years ago, someone more cynical than me might suggest that that land's now more valuable for something such as, say, housing...

Lockwood Park is where Huddersfield RUFC play, the former Bass Brewery site.

[goodbet]

Oct 24, 2023 11:18:46 GMT 1 Porrohman said:

Oct 24, 2023 10:24:46 GMT 1 Gag N Bone Man said:

www.totalrl.com/huddersfield-giants-seek-john-smiths-stadium-solution-with-council-keen-to-give-up-control/

The Giants apparently want to take partial control.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS could take more control in operating the John Smith’s Stadium after cash-strapped Kirklees Council made it clear they want no further involvement in its running and will put a stop on their funding of the failing management company which controls the venue.

Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KSDL) is owned by Kirklees Council (40 percent), Huddersfield Town Football Club (40 percent) and the Giants (20 percent) and negotiations over the future of the facility, which is almost 30 years old and in need of significant maintenance work, are ongoing.

The council, which has loaned millions of pounds to KSDL, warned in March 2021 that the management company was on the brink of going bust.

But talks have so far failed to produce any agreement on how to move forward. A report by the authority has made it clear that KSDL are only surviving through money pumped in by the Giants and Huddersfield Town, who were recently taken over by American businessman Kevin Nagle.

It stated: “The council has been clear that it does not wish to be involved in the future management of KSDL or the stadium and has made clear that beyond the financial restructuring that has already been agreed, the council will not contribute further funding to facilitate the day-to-day operation of KSDL.

“Its continued ability to operate is based on commitments by the other parties to ensure the company has adequate cashflow to ensure that it can meet its obligations and by a council agreement not to pursue debts outstanding at the present time.”

In December of last year, the council’s cabinet gave approval for senior officers to enter negotiations with the two clubs over handing “operational control” to Huddersfield Town.

Now the cabinet is being asked to amend that to include the Giants, with the report adding: “The previous agreement was that officers could negotiate a settlement position that provided for HTFC to take operational control which, given the corporate structure, would require them to acquire all of the shares.

“An alternative option is for the other two parties to agree a structure whereby either HTAFC or Huddersfield Sporting Pride Ltd (the Giants) take effective control individually or together, but this is not provided for by the current cabinet authority.

“It is suggested that having wider options for negotiation of a solution that meets the needs and desires of both clubs would be desirable.

“It is also important that in this arrangement, the owners provide evidence of an effective operating model that meets their needs and gives the council as freeholder (owners of the land on which the stadium is situated) some assurance.”

So is Conman Ken going to be prepared to put his hand in his pocket and go 50/50 on the repair costs 🤔

Ken will probably want to take Town share of the stadium away from us once again to apparently protect the football club.

Ken did have some ideas of developing the area around the stadium, hotel out of town shopping area etc. With the poor state of Huddersfield's town centre I am not in favour of developing any further out of town shopping areas, but there may be something in his plans that he and/or Kevin could get their teeth in too.

[tockyterrier]

Oct 24, 2023 18:59:46 GMT 1 mids said:

Oct 24, 2023 11:38:01 GMT 1 Randy Watson said:

Exactly what did the Giants bring to the party in the first place ?

Only thing they brought was themselves. No capital. No collateral. Their presence was to merely garner more monies from grants etc, for a multi sport venture.

This is what I always believed. They were already tenants at Leeds Rd because they couldn't afford to stay at Fartown, so they had nothing to put in. Town sold LR so had a a significant contribution