I am getting seriously pissed off hearing Coventry City CEO Tim Fisher bang on about a "fair" rent for using the Ricoh Arena.
Time and again he talks about what other clubs in our division and in the Championship pay. What has that got to do with what CCFC pay?
It's Coventry City Football Club that plays at the Ricoh Arena...no one else from ANY division so why the comparison?
When he says other teams in our league pay a lot less he is spot on. Having been to Yeovil, Crewe and Swindon I think that if they don't own their grounds then all three would probably pay little rent at all. Why? Because those grounds are cramped, poorly stewarded and dangerous.
The terracing [terracing at the Ricoh anyone?] at Yeovil was dangerous and overcrowded, the small stand at Crewe is OK unless the ball goes in the air which means you can't see it and Swindon was supposed to be allocated seating but the stewards couldn't cope so they didn't bother with it.Oh, and two turnstiles open for 1,400 away fans.
Anyone trying to buy a drink or food at these grounds normally give up when they either:
A. Run out of everything or B. Give up waiting in the queues after 20 minutes to buy crap, overpriced garbage.
The reality is that the Ricoh Arena is not only in the top six best football stadiums outside the Premiership but it's better than some in the Premiership.
The latest offer from ACL is a good one, so accept it Mr Fisher and do not compromise all the good work being done on the pitch by Robins, his staff & the players.