I know of a few occasions people have been contacted in the week upto a game (as late as Thursday sometimes) asking them to sponsor the match ball or the fixture.



Sometimes the reason given is someone has pulled out, but we seemingly rely on the same individuals and businesses to put the cash up time and time again.



I went into Halifax Town centre on Sunday, I normally park by that horse statue and walk on because I'm too tight to pay to park, The only mention of Halifax Panthers existing that I saw was the "Next Fixture" board on SKircoat Road (which had already been updated to say Barrow was the next home game, that or they'd never bothered to put the Catalans game on the board)



Halifax Town also have very little mention in the town, There are a couple of banners hanging on the front of the courtyard pub, most likely provided by a supporters group and looking fairly weathered. But I saw no other mention of either club anywhere in the town centre. It's no wonder so few people attend games as its hard to know the clubs even existor what they are upto unless you are already a supporter.



As far as The Shay goes, I have my reservations about Ken Davy's proposals, but there is no alternative. The council want rid, neither club can take it on so it's going to the open market pretty much, Davy only wanting it temporarily (although for how long and if they ever go back is another issue) means there are potentiallt further problems in 3-5 years time. But as we tend to live year to year, or even month to month, that is an issue for then

It's also widely suspected he took out more than he put in over the time of his ownership.



It seems there is little other option than the Ken Davy option, we'll just have to see how it pans out. Neither Halifax club are in a realistic position to change their status from tenants to owners. So for the foreseeable will be at the mercy of someone else

If the Council do take the KD option.



There is still the issue of whether David Bosomworth will support it given the potential issues in having three teams using the pitch plus the fact that FCHT (plus the Panthers) will be lumbered with £150k of debt for the pitch works.



In the Council press release, he warmly welcomed the proposal but suggested "it is expected more detailed discussions will take place when clarity on any proposals allows decisions to be made."

What power of veto does Bosomworth, or anyone at the Panthers have?



I can imagine they can both refuse the £150k debt to be imposed on them. And KD has only said rents would remain the same for 12 months, so whats to stop him putting a massive hike on that as well as the "loan".



Seems a lot of rugby fans are quite happy with the proposal, I don't read enough FCHT stuff to know what their fans think.Personally I think its a terrible idea but with the council wanting to "dispose" of The Shay I dont see any other outcome currently

I think KD feels it is vital to have the support of both clubs. Plus, if one or both clubs didnt support it, it makes the issue more of a political football (ignore the pun) for the Council. So, I wouldnt say the two clubs can necessarily veto the deal, but they can certainly influence the final decision.



Ive spoken to a few football/rugby supporters in person who were reasonably excited about the proposal. But after explaining the potential issues, they have become more cautious. Others just want the pitch sorting and view it with short-termism - short term gain and worry about any potential long term pain further down the line.



I think back to Tony Abbott's failed attempts to buy the Shay. Only a few years later he was declared bankrupt and banned from being a company director. Had he owned the stadium, god knows what would have happened. This is just an example of why I am not in favour of private ownership, regardless of who it is or how honourable their intentions may be.

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The first two points are linked to the clubs being the current tenants legally protected as much as possible and CMBC’s power over planning permission and change of use.



If Davy or his predecessors put on a massive hike then it would likely force them out and he wouldn’t see any rent or the £150 grand.



Yes they would have to find somewhere else to play but Davy & Co to have any income from the Shay would either have to stay there themselves or be left with a stadium they could do nothing with once they moved out.



I would be reasoning / arguing with him that since much of the funding for the pitch and floodlighting would be coming from grants that would directly benefit him as well as the clubs surely he can write that ( for him ) small amount off as a financial contribution to it all.



On the third point from who I’ve spoken to it’s more of the best deal from a poor hand than their personal choice.