Mike Ashley and his ownership group gave Coventry City an eviction notice from their stadium. Ashley’s Frasers Group recently purchased Coventry Building Society Arena.
Ashley is most famous for his time as owner of Newcastle United.
Ashley’s company took over the Coventry stadium in November. While the club’s current license runs until 2031, the Frasers Group wants to negotiate a new deal. The Championship side issued a statement on the ordeal on Monday.
Coventry City eviction notice
“Frasers Group have now presented to Coventry City a new agreement with new commercial terms, which have been presented to us without any dialogue or negotiations, and are less favorable to the Football Club,” proclaimed the club. “In addition, this license would only run until May 2023.”
“Frasers Group have said they would negotiate for beyond May 2023, but this leaves us without the security and certainty that our current deal provides to us and our fans.”
“To confirm, Coventry City are happy to continue under terms of the current license which we already have in place to play at the Arena.”
Coventry next play away to Reading on Saturday, December 10th. Nevertheless, the league scheduled their next home fixture for the following Saturday on the 17th.
Poor pitch an issue for years at stadium
The Sky Blues are currently 12th in the second-tiered English division. They have, however, had multiple home matches postponed during the current campaign. The field earned designations as unplayable for four matches this season.
Despite the terrible pitch, the Coventry Building Society Arena opened in 2005. Coventry City have mostly played at the stadium since it opened, but did also previously play matches at other arenas as well.
Ashley’s group also issued an official statement regarding the issue. “Frasers has, throughout all its involvement with the stadium, been supportive of securing the long-term future of CCFC playing its games at the stadium,” read the statement. “This position remains unchanged.”
“Prior to acquiring the stadium, Frasers issued a new license mirroring the terms CCFC had agreed with the previous owners. However, CCFC chose not to sign it at that time.”
“A revised proposal, together with a new license, has been issued to CCFC and will secure the immediate future of CCFC at the stadium.”
Many Coventry fans assumed their stadium issues would ease with the new ownership. Nevertheless, stress has continued for the Championship club.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
