The following is a press release:
BUSINESS GROUP MEET WITH HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL FOR SECOND TIME
Businessman Jon Hale has held a second meeting with Herefordshire Council Leader Tony Johnson about the future of football at Edgar Street.
Giving an insight into one of the key issues he discussed with Mr Johnson this morning, Mr Hale, who is one member of a group which has put together a detailed business plan to launch a phoenix club at Edgar Street should Hereford United (1939) Limited be liquidated, said:
"As a group we felt it was important to meet with Mr Johnson for a second time so we could emphasise that we continue to consider ourselves a serious and viable alternative option for Herefordshire Council should the opportunity arise.
"However, we also felt it was important to once again state categorically that our business plan is all about ensuring there is a long term future for football at Edgar Street.
"With that in mind, we have told Mr Johnson that, should the worst case scenario occur and the current club fold, we would initially be willing to take on one, single lease at Edgar Street on the area currently covered by three separate leases. This would enable the Council to take responsibility for the development of the two ends subject to negotiation. “
"We are willing to do this to make it absolutely clear that our proposals are centred on building a successful football club and are in no way about making money for personal benefit as we have seen suggested in certain quarters.
"We have also reassured Mr Johnson that the investors we already have in place expect no return on the significant investment they're willing to offer a phoenix club and therefore they are more than comfortable for us to agree to a variation of the current leases."
For clarity, the individuals who attended this morning's meeting with Herefordshire Council Leader Tony Johnson were Jon Hale himself, Phil Eynon, Phil Pratt (who is from Alder King and is offering the group advice on Landlord and Tenant procedures), and HUST Board member Richard Howard.
For clarity, the individuals who attended this morning's meeting with Herefordshire Council Leader Tony Johnson were Jon Hale himself, Phil Eynon, Phil Pratt (who is from Alder King and is offering the group advice on Landlord and Tenant procedures), and HUST Board member Richard Howard.