DFC - COURT CASE: 16th. November 2007

[Big J R]

A prelimanary hearing between Dorking Football Club, (DFC) and Mole Valley District Council, (MVDC) was heard before a Judge sitting at Reigate County Court at 12:30 this afternoon.

 

Legal representatives for MVDC conceded that DFC are protected tenants under the act and agreed to an adjournment.

 

The case has been moved to Guildford County Court where DFC will apply for an issue of a new lease.

 

The case is due to be heard in the new year, probably in February. No exact date has been set as yet.

 

A press release will be posted on the DFC discussion board shortly.

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

how about the ltd co. finding out if it does have the support of the town/community?

 

In the coming weeks make a point of saying in the local press and everywhere they can that they need the towns help.

 

" Show your support by attending games, using the facilities, writing to the council"

 

how about a fighting fund appeal to help with legal expenses ?

 

Could the local youth and community clubs affiliated tell everyone what would happen to them if the ltd. co were evicted?

 

Can the ltd co show what they are doing for the community, I dont think just saying the council are bad and handling things wrong carries much weight.

 

Lets hear some positive and accurate news from the club and its supporters.

 

Additionally Dorking Wanderers could take a simliar approach.

 

 

 

[Big J R]

We had quite a long chat after the hearing with the legal-eagles about the way forward.

 

I'm sure something will be formulated.

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

heres a naughty Friday afternoon thought.

How about this for a town referendum?

 

The current board nominate an upcoming game for the town to show its support for them.

 

Bookham organise a friendly with Dorking Wanderers on a similar basis.

 

Or Dorking Wanderers nominate one of their home games as a call for the towns support.

 

let the people speak!

[Big J R]

Something along those lines and other subjects have already been discussed briefly.

 

 

[Park Boy]

This is great news for the people of Dorking.

Sure all the Dorking supporters can't wait for the rest of the season.

 

Spursman - If you are typical Dorking fan than I think the people of Dorking deserve what they get with the Football Club being in such a sorry state. Showing your support with ideas to Dorking Wanderers and Dorking FC Limited didn’t see that coming.

 

Think a Sainsbury would look great at Meadowbank

 

Come on the Bookham!

 

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

The limited companies legal position on its tenancy at Meadowbank is being tested in the courts, quite rightly so.

 

I'm suggesting the limited companies moral position as the trustees/owners of Dorking's football club is tested by public opinion.

 

 

 

 

[Big J R]

.......But at the moment TSF, we have to abide by legal advice and the Court procedure. The tenancy as it stands at the moment isn't in question until next year. I have sent you a PM.

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

yes thanks for that.

 

I understand the official lines from the club and MVDC will from now all have to be signed off by lawyers.

 

I am assuming the boards decision not to just walk away is based on a belief they are doing a good job for the club and the town, and particularly Youth football (of both sexes).

 

If they dont get the support from these groups now they never will.

[Big J R]

Watch this space ???

[rusty]

Can anyone tell me where the so called £10,000 has been spent on the ground this year ?

I gave the club 20 years as a player and a manager with my brother only to be kicked out for listening to other ideas ! how can Dorking FC recover from a position as a laughing stock of the town , it hurts me to see the club at the bottom of a league , if the board would let local people help and not turn away when any questions are asked or not allow people to have a say or any ideas on how to improve the club and facilities ! I know a number of people who offered help whilst we were managers and each time we were told " we dont need any help "

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

interesting game next week! youll see first hand whats been happening, I hope to be there myself.

[Big J R]

Dorking Football Club Limited : Official Announcement – 16.11.07

 

Dorking FC attended a hearing at Reigate County Court on Friday 16 November. The club had had less than 3 days to prepare for the hearing and to brief its lawyers after receiving extremely short notice of the case from its landlord, Mole Valley District Council, despite the council admitting it had been preparing for the case since July.

 

Despite arguing to the contrary for some considerable time, MVDC have now conceded that Dorking Football Club Limited is a protected tenant under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 which affords the club protection from aggressive landlord behaviour, as well security of tenure at its Meadowbank ground for the immediate future.

 

As such, the club would like to reassure its supporters that football will continue at Meadowbank so Dorking’s first team, SYL Under 18 side, Dorking Girls and visiting Bookham and Brockham Badgers sides fixtures will of course still be played as normal . Dorking FC entertain Bedfont FC in a Combined Counties League match tomorrow, Sat 17 November.

 

The judge at Reigate County Court agreed to the club’s request for a reasonable period for the club to file its evidence in response to the case brought forward by MVDC, and due to the large public interest in the case, has directed that the case will be held in February or later in Spring (at a date to be advised) at Guildford County Court before a senior judge.

 

The case will be to consider a longstanding court application by the club for a new long term lease of its Meadowbank ground, which MVDC are seeking to strike out as a matter of court procedure. Even if the club are unsuccessful in the spring 2008 hearing, it will still retain its protected tenant status under the Landlord and Tenant legislation, the early 2008 hearing being to consider the strike out of the old proceedings.

 

The club believes it has a strong case and will be endeavouring to protect its position with the help of its legal advisers. The club wishes to reiterate its disappointment and frustration with the actions and conduct of MVDC, as summarised in our recent press announcement and we must question the large sums of public money being thrown at this matter by our local council and the motive behind this course of action.

 

Against the fact that Dorking Football Club Limited is a voluntary body and where the matter could be sorted directly by constructive negotiations; and where the significant funds being expended by DFC in defending its protected position could be better spent on football and ground maintenance items, MVDC policy in this matter must be questionable.

 

Dorking Football Club Limited.

 

 

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

Dorking football club limited a voluntary body?

 

Its a limited company run for the benefit of its shareholders isnt it?

 

Thats what was said when last seasons managers were sacked "to protect the best interests of the shareholders"

 

if dfcl want any support they need to be open and honest.

 

Just being anti council and stating DFCL has a legal case to stay wont wash with me for one.

[rusty]

totall agree spurs fan they are only protecting themselves the only shareholders being protected were messrs COLLINS

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Just had a minute to step away from trying to stop the Intertwits,(Go to Ebbsfleets forum) from playing Football Manager 2007 - A reality, with the Club!

John, if you want a 30/30 shotgun to shoot all the hovering vultures.........It's yours!

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

they have their own gun, aff, its constantly aimed at their own feet.

[TRS]

Thanks Big JR for keeping us up to date on the Dorking situation. All seems a bit of a mess really.