Jamie Humm, the Club Chairman of Ryde Saints FC shares with NewsOnTheWight his view in relation to the contractual dispute with Newport FC, as reported earlier this morning.
In his own words, here’s Jamie’s message to players, supporters and club members. Ed
As chairman I am writing to confirm, that after much deliberations and debate, the club’s committee of directors have notified Newport FC that we have terminated the ground-share agreement which exists between the clubs and allows Newport to play home games at Smallbrook Stadium.
As the ground-share contract is now terminated, Newport have thirty days to find an alternative venue to play their home games.
Floodlight works a key component to our agreement
This decision was not taken lightly or initiated by Ryde Saints. The ground-share agreement contained two central football commitments; the first was that Ryde Saints would allow Newport FC to play home games at Smallbrook Stadium, and the second was that in exchange Newport FC would install upgraded floodlighting on the site.
Floodlight works a key component to agreement
These floodlight works were to Ryde Saints a key component to our agreement, and were central to all our collective commitments and discussions. The floodlight obligations were recorded into a binding contract and written into the media release when the deal was agreed.
It was therefore with great disappointment that two months ago Tony Wake advised Ryde Saints that he and Newport FC would not be meeting their obligations to install this floodlighting.
Small cash figure offered as compensation
Newport FC requested that, despite not intending to complete the floodlight upgrades, they still continue to play home games at Smallbrook Stadium, and it should be noted that a small cash figure – in reality a fraction of the cost of installing the floodlighting – was offered as compensation.
This offer was unanimously declined by the committee.
Already invested £80,000 at Smallbrook
In the deliberations, your committee felt strongly that the money and support we receive from our players, player’s parents, supporters, sponsors and donors should be treated with the full care and respect it deserves.
We know we have been entrusted with your money because of our commitment to maximise it’s value as much as possible, so having already invested £80,000 at Smallbrook and added many hundreds of voluntary hours, we believe it would be a betrayal to give the results of the hard work away so cheaply.
Ambitions to play in Hampshire Leagues
From a purely football perspective, Ryde Saints is also a club with ambitions to one day play in the Hampshire Leagues. This pathway in our opinion offers so much opportunity to the young players in our excellent youth section and their hard working volunteer coaches.
Upgraded facilities to the FA’s ‘Grade G level’ are a part of this journey, which was why we requested it was written into the contract and committed to by Newport FC.
Wider benefits of the ground-share
The Ryde Saints committee have taken care to consider the wider benefits that the ground-share has offered those outside of the club.
We are glad that it has provided gate money and bar takings to Island Speedway, has given Newport FC the security to enter the league this season, and we recognise the bigger picture that the sale of St George’s Park remains a potentially significant commercial success to Island businessmen.
May deadline for new floodlighting long passed
At the same time, the May deadline for the new floodlighting has long passed, and we face the challenge of balancing the obligations to our players, player’s parents, supporters, sponsors and donors alongside the needs of Newport FC.
We are aware that Newport FC have already arranged to play some upcoming home games back at East Cowes Vics, so we believe that serving this ground-share termination now (with it taking effect in mid-January) is a fair and thoughtful approach where negative impacts are minimised.
Changing room build and drainage installation project
It is accepted by the committee that the costs and logistical challenges of these floodlight works has risen in recent weeks and months. These same challenges occurred in both our changing room build and drainage installation projects.
So while undoubtedly stressful for us at the time, it is a matter of great pride that we overcame all difficulties to raise the standards of the facilities without bankrupting ourselves – even though we came close at times!
It has been fantastic seeing Wessex League football being played at Smallbrook Stadium after the incredible hard work that the Ryde Saints FC volunteers have put in.
We are proud to have transformed a once great football venue back into full playing use.
Could have been quicker to move
As chairman I recognise that we could, and maybe should, have been quicker to move and more robust in our management of Newport position.
The aim of the groundshare agreement was for two Isle of Wight clubs to support each other, with Ryde Saints sharing a fantastic home with Newport FC while their new stadium is under construction, and Newport FC assisting with taking the facility to the next level football-wise.
Do not anticipate a change by NFC
It appears this is now unlikely unless the Newport FC position changes dramatically, something we sadly do not anticipate.
Either way we wish their players, supporters and club management the very best for the rest of the season.
Image: © Ryde Saints
