Northwich Sport
Thor Specialities (UK) Ltd says priority is to solve stadium problem before anything else
5:44pm Wednesday 8th February 2012
THE new owners of Northwich Victoria’s former home say they do not intend to knock it down, for now.
Thor Specialities (UK) Ltd, a firm based next door, told the Guardian on Monday that it wished to avoid demolishing the stadium if an alternative solution could be found.
“It’s our first – and only – priority at this moment in time,” said managing director David Hewitt.
“Thor wishes to find a way for the assets at the Victoria Stadium to be protected, and we respectfully request the patience of the club’s supporters – and the wider public – while we try to achieve this.”
He declined to answer any of the other questions put to the company by the Guardian.
However Mr Hewitt did reveal that Thor is considering a proposal to donate the ground’s Danebank terrace, floodlights and other fixtures and fittings to Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust.
The fans’ group has also asked the chemicals manufacturer to pay for the dismantlement – and storage – of those parts until an alternative site for a new stadium is found.
“Given that the club has almost no assets and no home, the board believes it is unlikely to be able to exist in its current guise for much longer,” said the trust in a statement.
“We believe our proposal could help to secure what are significant assets for the current or any future club as well as helping to minimise the costs that would be associated with developing a new stadium.”
The trust has also written to owner Jim Rushe asking for talks on his plans for the club.
It is uncertain if Thor will speak to him again soon, hinting in a carefully-worded statement that they preferred to wait for the club to resolve what it perceives to be its own internal dispute.
“Talks with the club have broken down,” added Hewitt.
“However we said previously that once we establish what format and structure it will have going forward, then we will be more than happy to sit down and meet with the appropriate people.”
Rushe revealed today, Wednesday, that he telephoned Hewitt 24 hours earlier to say he would continue as the club’s owner.
He said: “I’m encouraged to read that Thor wish to look into the long term with regards to what will happen to the Victoria Stadium.
“I’ve told the company too that I’ll talk once they feel they are in a position to do so.”
He insists he will continue to fight the club’s corner, pointing to the appointment of Paul Simpson as manager as proof of his commitment.
He said: “It sends a message. People think this club is dying; I assure you it’s not.
“The general consensus is I should keep going, so that’s what I intend to do.”
Vics’ owner meets officials next week that could play a pivotal role in the club’s future.
Planners from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), Sport England, the Football Foundation, plus representatives from the Cheshire County FA, gather on Monday for a summit on what happens next.
“We’re hoping that each party present clarifies their position with regards to the Victoria Stadium as well as discussing how we might move forward together,” said Rushe.
The supporter’ trust plans to front a meeting for fans later the same day, Monday, at Lostock Social Club.
They will update followers on their ongoing work from 8pm.