CHAIRMAN Steve Goode insisted Worcester City should not be blamed for the collapse of takeover talks with Warriors and declared: “It was all there to be done.”
Goode announced at last week’s shareholders’ meeting that City had agreed a deal to end what will be seven years in exile by playing from Worcestershire FA-owned Claines Lane from the start of next season.
READ MORE: Claines Lane will be the "rebirth" of City - but club still wants its own ground
That option had been considered alongside handing control to Warriors owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham in order to move to Sixways.
Goode explained to shareholders that City had been willing to relinquish fan ownership during two rounds of talks, the first with Jed McCrory – part owner of Warriors at the time – approximately one year ago.
READ MORE: City held talks with Warriors over move to Sixways (March 2019)
When revisiting the prospect was instigated by Goldring and Whittingham, also owners of League Two Morecambe FC, the Midland Football League outfit was still trying to pursue a new stadium at Perdiswell and had little else on the table.
When approached by Worcester News about the takeover, Goldring explained “exploratory” talks had ended and that “it is not an option for them to come to Sixways now”.
READ MORE: Warriors end City takeover talks (November 2019)
City’s shareholders and supporter’s trust members still had the prospect put to them at a meeting days later and the club attempted to rekindle negotiations without success.
“I understand people will be upset about not going to Warriors but I have explained it was through no fault of Worcester City Football Club,” said Goode.
“The meetings we had were really productive. The two main reasons which Colin (Goldring) explained to me were that he thought the club wanted to stay fan owned.
“We did offer them the full running of the club but unfortunately that couldn’t happen because the Warriors pulled out before the meeting (on November 28). It was all there to be done.
“The other reason he gave was that it was not the right time.
“You never know, a few years down the line we may talk to them again but we part friends and I am sure they can still do things for the club.
“Colin has offered different help along the way so we will definitely stay in touch and there has been no fall out.
“They are rugby men and that’s it. I am just pleased we have got a ground to go to and we're looking forward to the start of next season."
Asked if Goldring had elaborated on why the timing would not be right, Goode replied: “No, and I just accepted that. I guess it was just not right for what their plans were at the time.
“I cannot comment on what their plans are, he just said it was not the right time.”
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