We are disappointed to read the statement made by four local MPs today which calls for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to force Worcester Warriors into administration.
We would like to make it clear that we have kept the DCMS fully informed about the financial situation at Worcester Warriors. They are aware of the options which are on the table to save the club together with the disastrous implications posed to the club by any administration, in particular the risk of losing the club’s P-share.
The DCMS has been very supportive every step of the way and we thank them for their continued support and cooperation.
The DCMS knows that three sets of buyers are in discussions with us. All three buyers are serious propositions and all the deals being considered would avoid the club going into administration. One of the buyers is moving at an especially rapid pace.
Avoiding administration is in the best interests of the club’s creditors, not to mention its players and staff.
Pursuing a deal which includes payment to all creditors as well as working capital best serves the club and the local community. Therefore the DCMS has been giving us the time to pursue viable options.
On the other hand, forcing Worcester Warriors into administration as these MPs have asked risks the club losing its players and staff, losing its P share, wiping off the debt owed to local businesses and to HMRC, and incurring severe RFU sanctions.
At no point have any of the MPs who put their names against the statement today been in touch with the club, with Colin, or with me. There has been no attempt at engagement whatsoever.
They have not asked the club about its situation, they have not offered any support or help, and they have not presented us with any potential buyer or deal. If they have offers from buyers, why have they not shown them to the club? It is interesting that they have chosen such a politically significant day to make such a strong statement on Worcester Warriors.
It has been publicised today that all 13 Premiership rugby clubs are in debt, most of them for more than Worcester Warriors.
Warriors were close to having vital funding in place that would have allowed us to move the club forward to be a sustainable operation. The winding up petition issued by HMRC prevented that deal being closed.
We continue to work tirelessly on a solution to keep all aspects of Worcester Warriors in business, able to pay its debts, and able to carve out a future which holds success both on and off the pitch.
We understand that we are under scrutiny and that our actions are being questioned. Our best response to this is to stay focused and put all our time and energy into getting the best deal for the club, its players, staff, partners, sponsors and creditors across the line – and that is what we continue to do.
Colin Goldring
Jason Whittingham