Coventry Bees Speedway - Brandon Stadium

Morning MR, it was worth all the thrills and spills for him then.

O M G

Another report

From the Coventry Speedway website: FESTIVE GREETINGS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 THE promotion and management of Coventry Speedway would like to wish all of our supporters a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We understand the concerns over a lack of official club updates over recent weeks regarding future plans - the position is a complex one which involves continual intensive negotiations; however, we remain committed that the club will be on-track in the 2017 season. Our best wishes for the festive season, and as soon as there is genuine news to report we will do so. Mick Horton Neil Watson Co-Promoters, Coventry Speedway

Latest report from Coventry Telegraph - it ain't looking good

No it ain't MR, sez I, born and bred in Warwickshire. First the City, now the Bees, what next.

Telegraph report this morning

COVENTRY Speedway owner Mick Horton has issued the following statement on Friday January 13: I AM fully aware of how tough recent months have been for everyone connected to Coventry Speedway. I do apologise for not being able to provide regular updates on the club's position, which continues to be a delicate one. What I can assure supporters is that all parties are continuing to talk, and naturally we are all hopeful of a positive conclusion. I am aware of rumours which have circulated stating that our riders have been released; this is absolutely not the case, and I would like to place on record my thanks to them for their understanding. I would also like to thank the BSPA for their continued support given the difficult circumstances, and we will endeavour to update everyone further as soon as there is more clarity to the situation. MICK HORTON

Another update from the Coventry Telegraph "Coventry Bees Owner Breaks Silence" According to Companies house, Brandon Estates Limited was dissolved on the 3rd November 2015 so longer exist, let alone own anything. The company was only created on the 31st March 2013 and never appears to have actually traded. You can also check Companies House for the accounts for:- Coventry Speedway Limited Coventry Racing Club Limited (Coventry Stadium Limited until April 2006) Coventry Stadium Limited (Coventry Racing Club Limited until April 2006) Coventry Racing Stadium Limited (Disolved December 2015). Coventry Greyhounds Club Limited The current Coventry Stadium Limited disposed of assets worth £3 million during 2014 (the Stadium?), but it is not obvious who they were transferred too. Sorry if this makes things more confusing. Peter.

Peter, that is not the same "Brandon Estates" - the company involved in this sorry saga is registered in Jersey, not the one to which you refer

Loads of smokecreens and red herrings, to cause confusion, and make it appear the blame is elsewhere, CET fallen for it. MR beat me to it, about Brandon Estates, some info on the relevant facebook page.

MidlandRed/Dillotford, Thanks for putting me right. I hadn't thought to check for overseas companies. Unfortunately the whole saga has echoes of another sporting club on the north side of the city. Very sad. Peter.

A statement from James Crocker, lawyer for Brandon Estates, has confirmed that deal is now dead. He said: I can expressly confirm that Mr Mick Horton did not take up the lease of Brandon Stadium on January 3, 2017. It would obviously be improper for me or my clients to comment on Mr Horton's decision. I can however say the decision not to take up the Lease was Mr Horton's and not Brandon Estates Ltd, and Brandon Estates Ltd had offered a substantial and extremely generous sponsorship package to Mr Horton/Coventry Speedway Ltd. The statement added 'I do not believe that a new lease will be entered into prior to the start of the forthcoming Speedway season'

Strange how Brandon Estates Ltd, a company registered in the Channel Islands, appears to use a solicitor based in Hall Green, Birmingham.