lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 Should Norwich City FC we following in the footsteps of our illustrious neighbours at Ipswich and have our ground listed as "an Asset of Community Value"?"Portman Road has joined Old Trafford and Anfield in being officially recognised as an asset to its local community. Following a representation from Ipswich Town 1st, the independent Ipswich Town Supporters Trust, Ipswich Borough Council has agreed that Portman Road should be regarded as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), recognising its importance and status to the town and its people. Colin Kreidewolf, the Secretary of Ipswich Town 1st, said “Supporters Trusts at Liverpool, Manchester United and Oxford United have recently been successful in having their club’s stadia recognised as ACVs, reflecting the value of those grounds to their respective local communities. Our view is that Portman Road is just as important to the people of Ipswich, and to Ipswich Town supporters generally, as Anfield is to the people of Liverpool. We’re delighted that the Borough Council agree – this is a fitting way to mark the 125th anniversary of Ipswich Town’s move to Portman Road on 1st October 1888”. ACV status means that the ground cannot be sold without the local community being told about it, and being given the opportunity to bid for it themselves. The ground is owned by Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) and leased by the football club. Today’s announcement means that any future IBC administration would be required to consult the local community before selling Portman Road, and allow six months for the community to raise the money to buy it themselves. Mr Kreidewolf added: “We appreciate that the current IBC administration have no desire to sell Portman Road, and are pleased to see it remaining in public ownership. Having ACV status means that any future administration at the council wouldn’t be able to change that situation without involving supporters and local people. It helps to safeguard the future of Portman Road as a part of the Ipswich community. We hope that the current owner of Ipswich Town will also recognise this as a positive move for the football club”. I think this is Town''s fans way of making it more difficult for any possible sale of the ground to Marcus Evans and who can blame them? However, I''m having difficulty understanding this part....."ACV status means that the ground cannot be sold without the local community being told about it, and being given the opportunity to bid for it themselves." Why would they bid for it themselves when they already own it? Ipswich Town Supporters Trust were the people who advised Town fans to accept the Marcus Evans deal even though it made their shares "worthless" (their words), so it seems they may now be having second thoughts. So, should supporters of Norwich City Football Club be looking to do the same thing as a safeguard against any future owners who may wish to cash in on our biggest asset? http://www.supporters-direct.org/press-release/ipswich-town-fc-portman-road-listed-as-an-asset-of-community-value"Eventually their cronies move away and they are left alone to face the music... a lost figure of no consequence drowning in a sea of lies."Famous last words by Cluck: 25-02-12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warren Hill 0 Posted September 3, 2013 Doesn''t say much for the community, it''s a dump. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleCanary 5,531 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"]Should Norwich City FC we following in the footsteps of our illustrious neighbours at Ipswich and have our ground listed as "an Asset of Community Value"?"Portman Road has joined Old Trafford and Anfield in being officially recognised as an asset to its local community. Following a representation from Ipswich Town 1st, the independent Ipswich Town Supporters Trust, Ipswich Borough Council has agreed that Portman Road should be regarded as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), recognising its importance and status to the town and its people. Colin Kreidewolf, the Secretary of Ipswich Town 1st, said “Supporters Trusts at Liverpool, Manchester United and Oxford United have recently been successful in having their club’s stadia recognised as ACVs, reflecting the value of those grounds to their respective local communities. Our view is that Portman Road is just as important to the people of Ipswich, and to Ipswich Town supporters generally, as Anfield is to the people of Liverpool. We’re delighted that the Borough Council agree – this is a fitting way to mark the 125th anniversary of Ipswich Town’s move to Portman Road on 1st October 1888”. ACV status means that the ground cannot be sold without the local community being told about it, and being given the opportunity to bid for it themselves. The ground is owned by Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) and leased by the football club. Today’s announcement means that any future IBC administration would be required to consult the local community before selling Portman Road, and allow six months for the community to raise the money to buy it themselves. Mr Kreidewolf added: “We appreciate that the current IBC administration have no desire to sell Portman Road, and are pleased to see it remaining in public ownership. Having ACV status means that any future administration at the council wouldn’t be able to change that situation without involving supporters and local people. It helps to safeguard the future of Portman Road as a part of the Ipswich community. We hope that the current owner of Ipswich Town will also recognise this as a positive move for the football club”. I think this is Town''s fans way of making it more difficult for any possible sale of the ground to Marcus Evans and who can blame them? However, I''m having difficulty understanding this part....."ACV status means that the ground cannot be sold without the local community being told about it, and being given the opportunity to bid for it themselves." Why would they bid for it themselves when they already own it? Ipswich Town Supporters Trust were the people who advised Town fans to accept the Marcus Evans deal even though it made their shares "worthless" (their words), so it seems they may now be having second thoughts. So, should supporters of Norwich City Football Club be looking to do the same thing as a safeguard against any future owners who may wish to cash in on our biggest asset? http://www.supporters-direct.org/press-release/ipswich-town-fc-portman-road-listed-as-an-asset-of-community-value"Eventually their cronies move away and they are left alone to face the music... a lost figure of no consequence drowning in a sea of lies."Famous last words by Cluck: 25-02-12[/quote] I suspect it means that if the borough council decided, for example, to sell the ground to a property developer then local people would have the opportunity to form a consortium and put in an opposing bid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="PurpleCanary"]I suspect it means that if the borough council decided, for example, to sell the ground to a property developer then local people would have the opportunity to form a consortium and put in an opposing bid.[/quote]Should we be doing the same Purps? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warren Hill 0 Posted September 3, 2013 How likely are the locals to match the bid of a property developer? Is it really viable or is it more that it''s something that the locals genuinely fear and this is their first "show" of protest against any possible proposition? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleCanary 5,531 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"][quote user="PurpleCanary"]I suspect it means that if the borough council decided, for example, to sell the ground to a property developer then local people would have the opportunity to form a consortium and put in an opposing bid.[/quote]Should we be doing the same Purps?[/quote] I can''t see that it would do any harm, lapps. Any prospective future owner of the club who didn''t like us having that safeguard (however vague) we would not want as an owner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Masked Raccoon 0 Posted September 3, 2013 It''ll be like a museum where no bugger turns up. Hang about... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Masked Raccoon 0 Posted September 3, 2013 That''s referring to that statement about their club, not ours!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="Warren Hill"]How likely are the locals to match the bid of a property developer? Is it really viable or is it more that it''s something that the locals genuinely fear and this is their first "show" of protest against any possible proposition?[/quote] Evans has already made an attempt to buy Portman Rd and more recently, transferred the training ground to another one of his companies and rented it back to the club, so the warning signs are there. I just feel perhaps we should put stumbling blocks in place to deter any future unscrupulous owners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zak Van Burger 0 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"] Ipswich Borough Council has agreed that Portman Road should be regarded as an (ACV), recognising its importance and status to the town and its people. [/quote]ACV =A Crap Venue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bury Yellow 2 Posted September 3, 2013 Am I missing something here? Our stadium is owned by the club so the council can''t dictate anything and a damn good job too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleCanary 5,531 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="Bury Yellow"]Am I missing something here? Our stadium is owned by the club so the council can''t dictate anything and a damn good job too.[/quote] That is not the point being made. The involvement of the council with Ipswich is a red herring as far as we are concerned. The question is whether this ACV status might be a safeguard against a future owner of our club selling off the ground. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="Bury Yellow"]Am I missing something here? Our stadium is owned by the club so the council can''t dictate anything and a damn good job too.[/quote] I don''t think either Old Trafford or Anfield are owned by the local councils but both clubs are signed up apparently. This from the Manchester United Supporters Trust........ “It is important to understand that a successful listing gives us the ‘right to bid’ rather than the ‘right to buy’,” said Duncan Drasdo. “However a listing reduces the chances that Old Trafford could be secretly sold off and worse still Manchester United FC move to a new location, as we’ve seen with such disastrous effects at several other English clubs – perhaps the worst example being Wimbledon/MK Dons. We don’t have any reason to assume the Glazers currently have any plans to sell Old Trafford and we’d anticipate denials to that effect should they respond to such questions at this time. However if that truly is the case they should have no reason to oppose this application. On the contrary they should welcome the emergence of any potential bidder as it simply provides an option but no obligation to accept any bid.” http://therepublikofmancunia.com/old-trafford-asset-of-community-value/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,352 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"] Ipswich Town Supporters Trust were the people who advised Town fans to accept the Marcus Evans deal even though it made their shares "worthless" (their words), so it seems they may now be having second thoughts. "Eventually their cronies move away and they are left alone to face the music... a lost figure of no consequence drowning in a sea of lies."Famous last words by Cluck: 25-02-12[/quote] This is a strange one. It rather suggests that they may have given poor advice. In the real world there''s no second chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 Actually, the more I look at it, the more of a futile gesture it seems. “However a listing reduces the chances that Old Trafford could be secretly sold off and worse still Manchester United FC move to a new location, as we’ve seen with such disastrous effects at several other English clubs – perhaps the worst example being Wimbledon/MK Dons. A good example of councils clashing with a big business organisation is Coventry City.Perhaps local councils shouldn''t get involved with football clubs after all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleCanary 5,531 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"]Actually, the more I look at it, the more of a futile gesture it seems. “However a listing reduces the chances that Old Trafford could be secretly sold off and worse still Manchester United FC move to a new location, as we’ve seen with such disastrous effects at several other English clubs – perhaps the worst example being Wimbledon/MK Dons. A good example of councils clashing with a big business organisation is Coventry City.Perhaps local councils shouldn''t get involved with football clubs after all.[/quote] The real way to guarantee keeping Carrow Road in the ownership of the club and so as a football stadium is to have the current owners write that into any sale agreement as a deal-breaking clause that also applies to any future sales. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,352 Posted September 3, 2013 This is where us City fans are spoilt. We don''t need any safeguards with the owners we have. They are true benefactors and put the club before even their own interests. But whatever safeguards are put in place for the future we will never be this lucky again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeelansGlove 0 Posted September 3, 2013 As a matter of interest any views on how long Evans can suck on that carcass before it eventually is nothing more than a shell and cant even finance his overhyped loans and he pulls the plug ?3-5 years ? or less. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Smith 2,291 Posted September 3, 2013 Poor old Colin. bet people rarely take any notice of what he says!on a serious note, may not be a bad idea although wonder if the designation of the ground as such an asset would impact on value/hinder the ability to borrow money against it in the future? If so then the club may not be keen on it although again perhaps there is some merit in ensuring that any future regime cannot mortgage us up to the hilt! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bury Yellow 2 Posted September 3, 2013 This is my point Nutty, not necessarily re benefactors but that the club as a company owns the ground and land etc.Simply we as a club could not or should not allow ACV. The very fact that the club have total flexibility as to if or when they decided to move means they have a fantastic asset. I can''t see how ACV benefits the club or it''s supporters.i accept the Interesting points made by Laps and Purple Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,352 Posted September 3, 2013 The difficulty with these safeguards and the idea that supporters / fan groups / trusts know best is that they don''t. The trust probably thought they knew best when they advised to sell to the boy mucus and probably think they know best now they don''t like him anymore. Trouble is in the real world you don''t continually get another chance to be right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mister Chops 7 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="lappinitup"]Should Norwich City FC we following in the footsteps of our illustrious neighbours at Ipswich and have our ground listed as "an Asset of Community Value"?"Portman Road has joined Old Trafford and Anfield in being officially recognised as an asset to its local community." [/quote]That''s fair enough. People need libraries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIL 1010 4,660 Posted September 3, 2013 The Vice Chairperson of the Norwich City Supporters Trust started a thread on here yesterday so obviously reads this messageboard so I just wonder what our their views towards such a move ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOO 0 Posted September 3, 2013 Who might that be master Till? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warren Hill 0 Posted September 3, 2013 I googled it Vanwink, it''s Myra Hawtree according to their website. Modern technology eh...? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIL 1010 4,660 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="Warren Hill"]I googled it Vanwink, it''s Myra Hawtree according to their website. Modern technology eh...?[/quote]If you are still struggling Winky she started the thread about the Snakepit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOO 0 Posted September 3, 2013 Warren Hill wrote the following post at 03/09/2013 8:25 PM:I googled it Vanwink, it''s Myra Hawtree according to their website. Modern technology eh...? Thanks Warren Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lappinitup 629 Posted September 3, 2013 [quote user="KeelansGlove"]As a matter of interest any views on how long Evans can suck on that carcass before it eventually is nothing more than a shell and cant even finance his overhyped loans and he pulls the plug ?3-5 years ? or less.[/quote]The longer he stays the better. Since his arrival, their league positions have been lower year on year, any decent players they had have been sold along with their training ground and their debts have more than doubled. Having spent £20k on ten players this summer they expected to make the play-offs at least but four defeats and a draw in the first six games has curbed that excitement somewhat. This will surely lead to dwindling gates (again) and therefore less income from merchandise, food, drinks, etc. All is not lost though, there''s a boom in the town for shops selling history books........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings of a Sparrow 1,388 Posted September 3, 2013 Colin Kreidewolf - really? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOO 0 Posted September 3, 2013 They can be a positive sometimes, but in general your probably right Share this post Link to post Share on other sites