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from the BBC:
York City Football Club have become the owners of their own ground again reports BBC Radio York.
At a meeting, over 99% of shareholders of the club's landlords - Bootham Crescent Holdings - voted in favour to sell the ground back to the club.
The total cost of the deal is worth more than £2m.
City's managing director Jason McGill said: 'It was the sensible thing and the right thing to do for York City Football Club.'
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York to stay at Bootham Crescent
05-Feb-2004
Friends of Bootham Crescent have issued the following statement
FoBC hail ground breakthrough
Supporters' pressure group, the Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) today expressed 'joy and great relief' that an agreement appears to have been reached which will see York City FC stay at their Bootham Crescent home for the foreseeable future.
FoBC spokesperson Ian Savage was quick to praise the efforts of the club's directors, and the hard work of the club's owners, York City Supporter's Trust. 'Without the Supporters' Trust, and the efforts of its directors and ordinary members, York City FC would without question have folded in January last year,' he commented. 'Now thanks to the unpaid efforts of the Trust and Club boards, particularly Jason McGill, it looks as though Bootham Crescent has been saved as well - a massive achievement in the circumstances.'
FoBC feel a great relief that a solution had been found to the apparent deadlock over City's home of over 70 years. 'FoBC have always said that we would campaign against the club being forced out of Bootham Crescent until a suitable alternative venue was available,' said Savage. 'It has become more and more apparent that Huntington Stadium was never going to be suitable for League Football for a large number of reasons - not least of which being the eviction of Nestle Rowntree Athletics Club from the venue. We're all delighted with this news and we're sure that the residents of Huntington and the Athletics Club feel the same way.'
He went on to add, 'It was a situation that should never have been allowed to develop in the first place, and only ever came about through personal greed. But York City has now shown the footballing world what fans can achieve. Hopefully now the Club can move on to show the population of York what community spirit actually means.'
Friends of Bootham Crescent can be found on the internet at www28.brinkster.com
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(from www.ycst.org.uk)
The Supporters Trust's 'rescue package' to secure a future for professional football in York has been completed. The Trust's new company, York City FOOTBALL Club Limited, has acquired the football club business. Thereafter, the football bodies will move towards formally approving the transfer of League membership to the new club.
Speaking for the Trust, Paul Rawnsley commented 'The passion and commitment of City supporters has carried us through to save our Club and to provide a real opportunity to develop a truly community focussed club for future generations. A club owned and run by the fans for the fans'.
The historic event is the culmination of fifteen months of hard work for many City supporters. It started with a meeting of a small group of fans at the Evening Press offices on 29 December 2001, there followed the mandate to form a trust at the public meeting on 7 January 2002 and within 25 days the Supporters' Trust was formed with a celebratory launch night at the Barbican. Membership numbers grew rapidly and soon numbered around 1,500. At the inaugural AGM in June 2002 the Trust Board was elected and given the responsibility to carry out the activities of the Trust on behalf of the members. Later that year, in September, York's Trust was awarded 'Trust of the Season' status for the work it had done. Now, the Trust has overcome numerous challenges from various parties to put in place a 'rescue package' to become the proud owner of its football club.
The Club was in a shocking state financially and liquidation beckoned. Whilst others have come and gone, the supporters stood strong. As the 'phoenix rises from the ashes', it has to be recognised that the immense passion, commitment and unity displayed by City fans over the past 15 months needs to be maintained to now make a success of the new York City Football Club.
====================== previously ======================
During the match against Bournemouth this week fans were given an extra cause for celebration. A half-time announcement stated that fans of the club have finally raised the necessary £200,000 required for the Supporters' Trust to take ownership of the club. The final takeover is subject to a CVA being agreed by creditors.
Great news and well done to all involved.
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14-03-2003
With just days to go before the CVA is put to the meeting of creditors of York City, a solution to secure a home for York City for at least ten years has been agreed in principle reports the minstermen site
With just days to go before the Company Voluntary Arrangement is put to the meeting of creditors of York City Association Football & Athletic Club plc, and with the football authorities closely monitoring the situation, a solution to secure a home for York City for at least ten years has been agreed in principle amongst key parties.
This involves the suitable re-development of the Monks Cross stadium site for use by the new company that will operate York City Football Club. The major re-development of the Monks Cross site will, in effect, be funded by parties other than the new company.
At an Urgency Meeting of City of York Council yesterday (10 March), Council members approved in principle to lease the re-developed Monks Cross stadium site to York City Football Club Limited for a minimum period of 10 years at a peppercorn rent.
Security of tenure at a football ground for a period of at least ten years is one of the key Football League requirements that need to be satisfied prior to the transfer of League membership to the new company (i.e. the new company is York City Football Club Limited, a company owned by York City Supporters' Trust). Whilst matters have yet to be formally approved by The Football League, all of the key parties involved in the agreement hope to ensure that it is satisfactory to the League.
Trust representative Steve Beck commented:
'The League's requirement necessarily needs to be satisfied to ensure the continuance of League football in York. To that end, following discussions over the past week with key parties including Persimmon, BCH and the Council, an in principle agreement has been reached that will help save City.'
Continuance at Bootham Crescent until an alternative stadium is available
The full statement is on the minstermen site (link below)
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26-02-03
The York City Supporters Trust and the Administrators have agreed the terms on which the bid can be moved forward reports the minstermen site
Trust representative Steve Beck commented: 'Sufficient funding has been put in place to cover the Club's ongoing trading for the next few weeks whilst the Trust's rescue package moves towards finalisation. Whilst there remain some significant hurdles to overcome, with the continued support and co-operation of fans, staff and players along with all other key parties the Trust's solution for the survival of York City can be put in place'
Commenting on behalf of the Administrator, David Willis added: 'We are now progressing with the Trust's offer to save York City and, as is normal for a club in administration, discussions will take place with the staff, the Players' Union and the football bodies.'
The life-line for the Club for the next few weeks was enabled by around £60,000 of fundraising for the Trust in just five days. That money was raised by City supporters and other fans from around the country for the benefit of the players and staff of York City. It has been an overwhelming effort by everyone to raise this amount of funding, and Beck added.
'We must not become complacent; we will still need the continued support of the fans and businesses of York to help raise the funds to ensure the club survives long-term'
Well done everybody who contributed towards saving York City (Ed)
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I recieved this plea I think it says it all
PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN
Dear all,
I know I've all bored you rigid with the topic of York City's plight in the last few months. Well now it's crunch time. We are on the verge of the Supporters Trust saving the club in a takeover bid and hopefully some brighter times ahead. However, the next few days are crucial. The adminstrator, in his wisdom, has just announced that we are essentially £60,000 short of a workable deal. And guess what? We need that money by the end of the weekend. If we don't raise this, we are dead. Simple as that. There are no saviours, no one is offering to help, it's just down to us the fans. I wouldn't normally do this, but the situation is so grave, I hope you don't me asking. Below is the link to the Supporters Trust donations page. If you can in any way help by pledging - whether it be one pound or a tenner or whatever - I will love you all forever. If you're sick of me going on or couldn't give a stuff, feel free to ignore this email, but if you feel you can help, it will not go unnoticed. You will literally be helping save our club from going out of existence and facilitating a fans' takeover. Please remember the donations need to be made essentially within the next two days.
The link: www.ycst.org.uk/donations.htm
There's an option to make a one off payment with a credit card at the bottom. Be assured that all payments are secure. Finally, if you think there's anyone you know who has a bottomless wallet and/or a heart of gold and is susceptible to emotional blackmail - particularly footie fans - please forward them this message. Many many thanks.
Another article on the subject is available here www.ycst.org.uk/article059.htm
Saturday 22nd February 2003 could be the last match ever for York City Football Club, reports the minstermen website.
After the match against Bury, unless further funding is forthcoming, the Administrator could bring to an end the trading of North Yorkshire's only Football League Club.
It is understood that at least £60,000 is required to fund the forecast shortfall between income and costs for the Club over the period from 23rd February to 15th March. Having already applied £92,000 of its funds to enable the Club to survive from 19th January to 15th February, the Trust is now unable to fund the shortfall over the next few weeks. At this stage, there is no alternative source of funding in place.
Trust representative Steve Beck appealed: 'The Club is literally on the brink of extinction. It needs someone to step forward to financially rescue this community asset from destruction. Whilst the Trust continues to seek sources of finance, there is no guarantee that the money will be found.'
more details on the minstermen site.
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York City Supporters' Trust have officially bid to take ownership of the club, submitting an offer to purchase both the business and certain assets.
Having offered salvation with a donation last month aims to raise up to £500,000 between now and the end of June.
No details of the Trust bid have been released, though they remain confident that they can offer a financially sustainable future to the club.
Current chairman John Batchelor ieader Dave Merrett stated that they 'felt unable to proceed', simultaneously confirming that there appeared to be little chance of the Minstermen being allowed to remain at Bootham Crescent.
However reports this evening suggest that this consortium was not one of the major parties looking to secure ownership, and that BOTH of the favourites are still currently preparing to make an offer; club administrator David Willis remaining confident that at least two serious bids would be tabled by the deadline of noon on Thursday.
Club sponsors the Evening Press have also revealed that a third potential bidder has emerged, described as a 'second local business-backed consortium', a group who had previously shown a clear interest in taking control.
Meanwhile York City Supporters' Trust has also stated that it too was considering its own takeover bid, while citing that it was the current stance being taken by Bootham Crescent Holdings which most seriously threatened the club's existence. The Trust have continually maintained that the Minstermen should be allowed to remain at Bootham Crescent until a suitable ground alternative is set firmly in place.
Fans action group the Friends of Bootham Crescent have once more called upon the council to undertake a compulsory purchase order on Bootham Crescent, its spokesman David Allison emphatically stating:
'It is now in the council's hands to save York City and the council's hands alone. It is not a question of can they do it? They must do it.
'It is now obvious a compulsory purchase order would end all the anxiety about the future home of the club.'
A significant number of York fans were expected to attend tonight's meeting of the city council, in an effort to lobby the authorities for support.
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A Leeds High Court have granted the administration order allowing York City to go into administration.
This will allow the club to continue operating while insolvency experts Jackson, Jolliffe, Cork try to sort out their financial situation.
Administrators are seeking a provisional deadline of 28th January if this is granted the home match against Swansea City on the 18th could be the last ever one for the club.
York have been struggling financially for the past year and last month admitted it could not afford to pay the players' wages.
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Press release from friends of Bootham Crescent
Friends of Bootham Crescent welcome Supporters Trust intervention, and call for further resignations from the club
Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) has warmly welcomed the news that The York City Supporters Trust may soon take control of the football club, and encourages all supporters to unite behind the club at this critical time.
Spokesman Ian Savage commented, 'We feel that FoBC and the Supporters Trust share many common aims, and we are delighted that they may become the owners of the football club. The club is clearly in financial crisis, and now more than ever the people of York need to give their backing to the Trust, and help them to rescue York City for future generations. We would remind people that running York City Football Club is a massive undertaking, and we urge everybody to contact the Trust and make donations. It's our club and we want it to thrive.'
The group has also taken the opportunity to call for the resignations of Colin Webb and Barry Swallow from the board of directors at York City. 'We understand that Nick Townend has submitted his resignation, due to a conflict of interests, which we applaud strongly. We are not aware of the exact nature of Mr Townend's position, but we feel very strongly that the positions of Messrs Webb and Swallow as directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings (BCH) and York City clearly represent a conflict of interests. The football club and BCH appear to have contradicting business objectives, and we call upon these two directors to follow the example of Mr Townend, and 'do the right thing' by resigning from the York City board immediately', said Savage.
Friends of Bootham Crescent have confirmed that they still intend to hold their long-awaited demonstration following next Tuesday's re-arranged FA Cup tie at home to Swansea, when 93 black balloons will be released. 'Regardless of who owns the football club by then, our case remains valid. The directors of BCH seek to profit from the sale of the Bootham Crescent ground, to the detriment of the football club, and we object to it,' commented Savage. 'It is an outrageous situation - there is still a long way to go before our objectives are met, and we will continue to do anything we feel is appropriate within the law to safeguard Bootham Crescent as the home of York City FC.'
Friends of Bootham Crescent can be found on the internet at www28.brinkster.com/fobc and can be contacted by email to the address below
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As reported below York City are facing eviction from Bootham Crescent, after the former Chairman Douglas Craig moved ownership into a holding company in which he and 3 other directors are 93% shareholders. Persimmon Homes have lodged a planning application to build 94 homes on the site even though City have no new ground to go to.
New Chairman John Batchelor has offered vague promises but he is reported to have a relationship with Persimmon along with Douglas Craig.
This situation has worried fans so much that a new group has been formed to highlight the ongoing struggle to save the ground. The Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) was launched on Saturday and a protest is planned next Saturday at the FA Cup tie against Swansea.
Full details of FoBC's campaign, including links to recent articles etc. can be found at the website www28.brinkster.com/fobc.
It's crunch time at York, with the City Council due to meet to discuss Persimmon's proposal soon and no future ground, or even plans, secured for football at YCFC.
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York fans have organised the following petition if you agree with it please follow the link and add your name to the list
We, the petitioners call upon the Football Association to enforce its own rules. In 1999 Douglas Craig, the then chairman of York City Football Club transferred the ownership of our York's ground to a holding company (Bootham Crescent Holdings) in deliberate contravention of the FA's rule 34(b), thus severely disadvantaging York City Football Club who now have no ground. Craig has through his actions benefited himself, as he stands to make vast personal profit from this manoeuvre, whilst disadvantaging the wider community in York.
Rule 34 (b) was specifically drawn up by the FA to stop asset stripping of clubs. The FA issued a press release stating that Craig did not have a case to answer.
Players are being fined for using the wrong toilets, interviewed by Police for celebrating the scoring of a goal, but asset strippers are allowed to threaten the very existence of clubs.
We call upon the FA to reconsider its decision and enforce its own rules. We also call on the Football Association to refer the matter to the Department of Trade and Industry and the fraud squad to investigate whether BCH has acted as an asset stripper (which is contrary to FA rules!).
Finally we call on the FA to make a clear and unequivocal statement that breaking the rules or attempting to do so is cheating and therefore anyone actively breaking FA rules is a cheat
==================== Previously ====================
Despite the club itself having been saved by John Batchelor there is still a great deal of concern and anger at the fact that the club no longer owns its own ground. There also seems to be a real possibility that the club could still find itself homeless as early as next season, with builders having already applied for planning permission to build on Bootham Crescent
The article below appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Press by Dave Stanford
It is not just the onset of winter that is presently forcing shudders among York City supporters.The uncertainty surrounding the future of Bootham Crescent has raised genuine grounds for concern. The so-called `confidentiality clause' that has prevented the main protagonists from speaking with any clarity on the issue has served also to breed suspicion, speculation and fear.
This week, the Supporters Trust lodged their objection to Persimmon Homes' plan to build on Bootham Crescent.
Planning rules which are supposed to protect community and leisure facilities suggest the Trust have a case, which should provide worried fans with some protection.
Furthermore, even if planning permission was granted, it is highly unlikely Persimmon would press ahead with building on Bootham Crescent when the club has no new home to go to.
No York company would ever want to be remembered as the one that made the city's football club homeless, surely?
But then again one York company, Bootham Crescent Holdings, threatened to do just that earlier this year.
Darkening the murky waters even more is the fact Persimmon's planning application refers to the `vacation of the ground at the end of the 2002/03 season'.
The conditional contract Persimmon has with BCH to buy Bootham Crescent is reportedly subject to planning permission being granted and also `vacant possession'.
In such circumstances, it is easy to see why some fans are putting two and two together and coming up with five.
Given the fact City are currently residing at Bootham Crescent rent free, is there anything to stop the landlords evicting their tenants at the drop of a hat or at the end of the season?
John Batchelor, tied by the confidentiality clause, has done his best to reassure supporters the Minstermen will not be kicked out of their home at the end of the season.
He also maintains he still wants to buy BCH and so make the whole process more transparent.
But it is Bootham Crescent Holdings and Persimmon who are the ones who can end all the suspicion, uncertainty and anxiety, and they can do it swiftly.
It would only take a few words from them to support Batchelor's claim that City are going nowhere until a new ground is built.
If there is nothing to hide why the need for secrecy?
It cannot be that some people are revelling in the discomfort of the fans, but the lack of clarity is a dismissive slap across the faces of all supporters who have surely endured more than enough in recent times and deserve better.
Silence is supposedly golden, but on this issue it is anything but.
Link is to the York City Supporters Trust website
http://www.ycst.org.uk/article044.htm
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As predicted York City have confirmed John Batchelor as the new owner and chairman of the club.
At today's news conference announcing the takeover, Batchelor revealed that the club will be moving away from Bootham Crescent. 'We have sites in mind for a new stadium, which will be attractive to other activities such as pop concerts,' we are already in talks with various people and have two specific sites in mind for a new 15,000-seater stadium in the city. said Batchelor
Batchelor said of York 'they are the best available option' and that they are in the least financial trouble. As the reasoning for his buying the club.
Batchelor claimed he would give the club exposure that Premiership clubs would die for and a seven-figure sponsorship deal, Batchelor's touring cars will carry the name of York City.
The takeover by Batchelor has been welcomed by former chairman Douglas Craig, York City Supporters' Trust and the City of York Council. Batchelor has also said he expects to announce several new board members, two of whom would come from the supporters' trust.
