Sale of Warriors could take months
Buyer sought: one club, battered condition
It could be months before the Warriors have a new owner with Auckland businessman Paul Davys confirming he’s now progressed to the due diligence stage in his talks with current owner Eric Watson.
While it’s understood that the news that Watson could relinquish control of the Warriors has sparked interest from other prospective buyers, Davys says he’s pressing ahead with his interest in the club and he’s not being swayed by who the other potential owners might be.
‘‘That’s for Eric to decide, I’m focussed on what I’m doing to be fair,’’ Davys said.
On Thursday, Warriors great Monty Betham launched a campaign for Warriors fans to buy the club. Logistically it might be tough to organise Betham’s crowdsourced proposal fast enough when other interested parties are already down the track with their negotiations.
But whoever does take control of the club will have to demonstrate to Warriors fans that the club would be heading in the right direction.
When Sir Owen Glenn had his fallout with Watson he did suggest gifting his half of the club to Warriors fans. That didn’t eventuate and he sold his share back to Watson.
Davys doesn’t feel it would be appropriate if there was a seat on the board for a representative from OPINION: As Auckland businessman Paul Davys waves around his moneycard and former captain Monty Betham says fans should to try to buy the New Zealand Warriors, Stuff has uncovered a real estate advertisement to guide prospective buyers. Hurry though, Davys is expecting an answer from current owner Eric Watson soon.
Auckland do-er upper, suit rugby league tragic, lunatic, or Mad Butcher
Always wanted to own a sports club? This is it, on offer right here, right now. If you are one to compromise, this is the perfect property for you.
A really doer upper, it can’t withstand a minor tremor, let alone an earthquake, so ideally must remain in Auckland.
Needs more than a good lick of paint to restore it to its ... well, it has never had former glory.
May require a rebuild from the
Warriors fans if he took over, but he does understand the frustrations supporters have had.
‘‘I do and that’s why I want to buy it, I’m a fan,’’ he said.
‘‘I sit there every year and there’s a taste of disappointment about the club. It’s one of the basement up. Proudly positioned near the foot of the NRL table, so plenty of potential for improvement.
Elegantly styled backs, generously sized forwards, this purchase has an abundance of luxury features, some of which work only sporadically, or are shipping out to Australia. ❚ Location: Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland ❚ Media: mostly negative ❚ Rooms: gymnasium, locker room, offices with doors generally shut, grassy outdoor area with goalposts, lots of mirrors, drums, players
reasons why I want to buy it.’’
For some, Davys has been seen as a knight in shining armour, who can at last bring success to the Warriors. However he doesn’t regard himself in that manner.
‘‘Until I do something with the club and prove myself the jury is tunnel, first aid room ❚ Property type: rugby league club/ entertainment/player rehabilitation facility ❚ Price: To be sold urgently to highest bidder (owner Eric Watson wants offers over $20 million) ❚ Parking: lots and lots and lots and lots, except on match day when you have to park on the road. ❚ Open home times: usually wide open on Sunday afternoon. ❚ Features: Built in 1995, this overhyped property comes with manager Stephen Kearney. Contains 13 starting assets, and eight
still out on me,’’ Davys said. ‘‘I don’t want to be seen as some messiah.’’
Warriors managing director Jim Doyle addressed players earlier this week to inform them about the ownership situation.
A new owner wouldn’t have interchangeable parts.
Sunny outlook in February, hard to heat up in autumn, liveable during the State of Origin window. Starts to leak badly in winter and by spring has usually totally collapsed.
Uninhabitable in September, when other NRL properties contest House of the Year.
Massive grandstand areas, with balconies where it is often easy to find a seat. Locker room connects effortlessly to grassed outdoor area, allowing for great entertaining opportunities, relaxing and watching rugby league with the family.
We have been in the business for many years and seen few properties capable of squandering a 28-6 halftime lead over Penrith to lose 36-28.
Price: buyer offers over $20 million. Contact owner Eric Watson for a quick sale.
Ideally intending owners would have a good heart surgeon, incredible patience, and a capacity to endure horrible surprises. Buyer beware.
Agency reference #: WAR2017
any affect on their current contracts and the hope is that they’ll be able to concentrate on the remaining games this season.
Davys acknowledges that while he’s making progress, it is going to be a couple more months before there is an official announcement.