Ericsladkilnhurst
15-12-2022, 11:10 PM
Huddersfield Town FC is set to take over the running of the John Smiths Stadium,
as the grounds current managers face going into administration.
Kirklees Stadium Development Limited [KSDL], is in millions of pounds in debt,
according to council papers.
The football club is set to take on full control of the ground, also home to the
Huddersfield Giants rugby league team, to secure its long term future.
The proposed handover could be signed off by Kirklees council next week
The local authority owns 40% of KSDL, with a 40% share also held by Huddersfield
Town FC, & the remaining 20% held by the Huddersfield Giants.
The company [KSDL] was set up to run the stadium in 1993, but has been struggling
financially for years, the council said, " Severe cashflow difficulties " had been
compounded by high energy costs.
The 24,121 capacity stadium is also in need of £8m to £10m of investment within
a decade, to address a backlog of maintainance issues & extend its life beyond 2050.
Previously - Been proposed that a community trust would take over the management
of the ground & receive a £13m bailout from the council, to cover debts & fund
refurbishment.
But the council had to rethink the plan, due to debts being higher than previously
envisaged.
Added - Huddersfield Town FC owner Dean Hoyle who resumed control of the club in
October 2021, had objected to the community trust arrangement.
New Proposal - The championship club will take " full operational control " of the
ground as the long term lease holder, & would cover the cost of repairs &
refurbishment.
The Deal - Would require the " council & some other debtors " agreeing to write
off the historical liabilities .
The Proposal - Will go before the councils cabinet on the 21 December 2022.
Thoughts - Dean Hoyle rescued the club again in October 2021 paying wages etc,
after the new owners defaulted on the money they were to pay Dean Hoyle for
the club.
It would seem again he will be rescuing the club again, if Kirklees council & other
debtors agree to his proposal.
as the grounds current managers face going into administration.
Kirklees Stadium Development Limited [KSDL], is in millions of pounds in debt,
according to council papers.
The football club is set to take on full control of the ground, also home to the
Huddersfield Giants rugby league team, to secure its long term future.
The proposed handover could be signed off by Kirklees council next week
The local authority owns 40% of KSDL, with a 40% share also held by Huddersfield
Town FC, & the remaining 20% held by the Huddersfield Giants.
The company [KSDL] was set up to run the stadium in 1993, but has been struggling
financially for years, the council said, " Severe cashflow difficulties " had been
compounded by high energy costs.
The 24,121 capacity stadium is also in need of £8m to £10m of investment within
a decade, to address a backlog of maintainance issues & extend its life beyond 2050.
Previously - Been proposed that a community trust would take over the management
of the ground & receive a £13m bailout from the council, to cover debts & fund
refurbishment.
But the council had to rethink the plan, due to debts being higher than previously
envisaged.
Added - Huddersfield Town FC owner Dean Hoyle who resumed control of the club in
October 2021, had objected to the community trust arrangement.
New Proposal - The championship club will take " full operational control " of the
ground as the long term lease holder, & would cover the cost of repairs &
refurbishment.
The Deal - Would require the " council & some other debtors " agreeing to write
off the historical liabilities .
The Proposal - Will go before the councils cabinet on the 21 December 2022.
Thoughts - Dean Hoyle rescued the club again in October 2021 paying wages etc,
after the new owners defaulted on the money they were to pay Dean Hoyle for
the club.
It would seem again he will be rescuing the club again, if Kirklees council & other
debtors agree to his proposal.