Representatives of the Sky Blue Trust and Supporters Direct met the Administrator for Coventry City Football Club Limited, Mr Paul Appleton of David Rubin and Partners in London yesterday afternoon, 17 April 2013.
Mr Appleton introduced himself and summarised his experience as a corporate recovery and restructuring practitioner, with significant background in relation to football clubs. He confirmed the basis of his appointment, by one of the creditors of Coventry City, Arvo. He stressed that, having been appointed as Administrator, he now has duties to deal with all parties in an even-handed, independent manner.
Paul outlined the events leading up to his appointment, which are well-known, and described the process he will be following. This currently involves a detailed investigation into all the facts, including in particular, the need to establish clearly which company holds the so-called "golden" Football League share. When that has been firmly established, he will have discussions with all interested parties, to seek to agree a positive outcome to the Administration.
The Trust representatives registered with Mr Appleton a number of serious concerns being expressed by Coventry City supporters. These included the key issue of uncertainty surrounding the Club and its future, and also more immediate points such as where the team will play its home matches next season, the future of the Academy, arrangements for the purchase of season tickets for 2013/14, the position regarding the Club shop and the availability of team shirts for purchase. The Trust urged Mr Appleton to bring about an early resolution so that a sustainable, successful future for the Club can be secured.
Paul agreed to pursue all those matters. In relation to the Academy, he confirmed that he had told both Coventry City (Holdings) Limited and the Higgs Trust that they are able to resolve the matter without delay, with all the costs met by Holdings.
Mr Appleton confirmed that the supporters of the Club are an extremely important stakeholder. He said that, as soon as his investigations are complete, he will be happy to visit Coventry in order to meet Sky Blue Trust members.
After the meeting, Trust Membership Secretary Michael Orton said that "the meeting was very interesting and helpful. We were pleased that Mr Appleton took time to meet us, to explain his role and to listen carefully to supporters' concerns. We look forward to hearing from him with his findings and to meeting him again to discuss the future of the Club."
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