Sale FC respond to SOS

Excuse for picture
By Sarah Braide
June 16 2002

Amid all the current discussion about Sale Sharks' future, the president of Sale Football Club (as opposed to Sale Sharks), Sue Gardiner, has used the messageboard to clarify what Sale F.C.'s role is. So for future reference here is the statement.

SOS - Sale FC Representation

Sale F.C. would like to make people aware of their past, current and future collaboration with Sale Sharks and rugby in general.

1. Steve Smith is the Sale F.C. Members representative on the Shark’s Board. He attends meetings and puts forward any subject that needs discussing. He acts as the conduit between the two Clubs and is the person to speak to, if Members want clarification on any matter. The Executive Committee representatives, are more than pleased to attend any ad hoc meeting, given sufficient notice.

2. We have organised Members meetings on a Tuesday night, over the last two seasons, introducing many topics which Members have been interested in. Jim and Steve have spoken, as has Carl Fox, Quentin Smith and Geoff Green.

3. Sale F.C. have re-established our amateur team, over the last season, since John Mitchell and Sale Sharks disbanded all amateur sides 4 years ago. A lot of hard work by Richard Trickey and Mike Ramscar, has seen us qualify to enter the South Lancs./Cheshire League (Division 5) next season. Many Members come along to support the team when they play, We have had social events at Sunday lunchtime, to get to know the players and to which an open invitation was displayed to all Members and Supporters alike.

4. Sale F.C. ground share with Old Salians and contribute to facilities costs.

5. Sale F.C. own Carrington Training Ground. This comprises pitches and a dry indoor facility. To date we have spent £200k on purchasing the ground, £75k on preparing and levelling one pitch and are at present spending in the region of £300k on draining and developing a further three pitches.

6. Carrington is used by Sale Sharks, the Jets, Sale FC, local schools and the England Academy.

7. Sale F.C. contributes £110k to the Jets each season, £32k for a Youth Training Officer and a further £40-50k in various ways.

9. Sale F.C. and Sale Sharks are jointly progressing the physical requirements for the England/Sale Academy.

10. Sale F.C. started a site search in 1992, when it became apparent that we had to sell Woodbourne Road and re-locate. We explored 16 new or existing grounds, held meetings with Trafford Borough Council, were offered Maine Road as long ago as 1998, but could not find a suitable venue or fund a move, until Woodbourne Road was sold. These details were handed to Howard Thomas, Grahame Walker and Peter Deakin in turn, as the discussions went on. Phil Winstanley had also looked into a lot of the same possibilities. Everyone came to the same conclusion that none were suitable. Since then Sale Sharks have the added pressure via the RFU requirement for a 10,000 capacity stadium.

11. Finally - When we received payment for Woodbourne Road, it was discussed and passed at our AGM, that the money was pledged to being used for the development of Sale FC rugby. It was a legacy handed down from past members over 141 years and not to be frittered away. We had seen the likes of Wasps, West Hartlepool, Moseley, Coventry and Leeds all lose their assets and it was something that we were determined not to do. We try to spend the money wisely, on making Carrington a valuable asset and investing in the Jets as they are the future. We will continue to do so.

We trust that the above resume, informs people of our continued support for rugby at all levels and our understanding of the difficulties, in finding a satisfactory ground solution.

Sue Gardiner President Sale F.C. on behalf of the Executive Committee.