Jim O’Toole (ex-Worcester Warriors chief Executive), heads one of two bid consortiums for the now disbanded Premiership club. Jim believes that Sixways’ ownership is essential to any deal.
The club and ground are currently under the control of WRFC Trading Limited. Their administration is expected to be confirmed Tuesday.
However, a lot of the land surrounding the ground is now owned by other companies owned by Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring.
“The land must be part of it.” O’Toole described it as “simple as that.”
He told BBC Hereford & Worcester: “It’s all about who owns the land, and whether the administrator – in doing their due diligence and forensic accounting – finds out what exactly happens to the assets and the liabilities.
This is the key. Without a pitch, back parking and a fanzone, it’s impossible to run a rugby team.
“Not only for the operations of the business, but also for long-term and more comprehensive commercial development that will put the club on a stronger financial footing.”
False accusation of “asset stripping”, said the owners
Whittingham and Goldring stated in a club statement that it was not true that the land and stadium were taken from the club. It is separate from the club’s entire ownership.
“The accusation we have been ‘asset-stripping’ is totally false. We have been working to stabilize the group.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport granted Worcester’s request to be placed in administration on Monday, within two hour of their request. suspension being confirmed by the Rugby Football Union.
O’Toole stated that “we are now completely in control of the administrator.”
“Our job is now to present our vision and plan to ensure the club’s long-term stability to the administrator and persuade him that we are the best option.
“But we had to end the rather shambolic position where staff were, in effect, putting matches on because of a rebellion.
The former London Irish chief executive said, “In 30 years of sport I’ve never witnessed anything like it.”
Robin Walker, Worcester MP, called for the club’s administration last week. He is still concerned that only WRFC Trading Limited is affected – not any other Warriors owners.
“What’s vital now is that the administrators do their job,” he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. “Seek out the truth about what has happened, where the money is, as well as how to keep the assets of the club together, including the land.
“The administrators can monitor the Sport England loan money and use it. They can view any transactions from the past few years.
“It is clear that administrators have a role. If they feel that the transaction is detrimental to creditors or the people the club owes money too, they can reverse it.
“I was assured, and speaking to ministers about it, that they are well aware of the importance to have their accountants and lawyers look into this.”
The club, who have been owned by Whittingham and Goldring since December 2018, still face a winding-up petition from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, who are owed over £6m, plus a long list of other creditors.
What is the time frame for Warriors returning?
Simon Massie Taylor, chief executive of Premiership, says that if new owners are to be allowed to continue this season, it will be crucial to sort them out as quickly as possible.
He said, “They still have the time to save the club through administration.” BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “There is a buyer or two interested parties who are credible and will support the administration process. This will however have to occur very quickly.
After beating Newcastle in their last game, the Premiership trip to Gloucester this weekend has been cancelled. Harlequins will be their next scheduled match at Sixways on October 8.
The team then has a bye week. A more realistic date for any return to action could be the Premiership away match at Bristol on 22 Oct.
Massie-Taylor said that there has not been a deadline for when they can re-enter the league. “But you should also remember that the RFU’s regulations say that if you are placed in administration or insolvent, and you don’t prove that it is a no fault situation due to Covid then you will be relegated to the Championship.
“The best possible scenario is that they find a buyer and can prove no fault. They would then play the rest of their season and continue.
“The worst possible scenario is when they fail find a buyer and enter insolvency.
“While there are some clear points in the regulations, there are also other areas where decisions need to be made.
“If Worcester is not in the league for a set period of time, it becomes very questionable if they will re-enter the competition at a later date. If they do leave, we’d like to have as much time possible to reschedule fixtures as well as everything else.
“It gets more complex the more weeks, bye week, you have during the season.”
