Hudgell’s optimistic message to KR fans
INVESTMENT TALKS AND STADIUM DISCUSSIONS AS CHAIRMAN STANDS DOWN
NEIL Hudgell has revealed Hull KR have opened negotiations with prospective investors and hope to secure the purchase of Craven Park in the coming months.
In an update to the supporters at the start of his last day as chairman, Hudgell looks to the future with optimism after two major breakthroughs for the club.
KR were put up for sale in August and have received interest since completing due diligence.
“As I previously stated in the summer, I am stepping down as chairman today, the last official day of the 2020 season,” Hudgell wrote yesterday.
“I do so in the knowledge that the club is in very good hands under the leadership of Paul Lakin as chief executive and over the next few months he will structure a new board of directors including a new chairman at the appropriate time.
“As the owner of this great club I will, of course, remain a source of advice and assistance when required but I am stepping back, allowing me the time to concentrate on my other business interests.
“As I relinquish my role as chairman, I do look ahead to 2021 with real optimism for Hull KR, on several fronts:
“It’s been well documented previously that we have employed an investment banking group to identify prospective new owners/investors in the club.
“They are very experienced in running investment processes in sports clubs and competitions across the world and after several months of due diligence, they are now a month into the process of identifying the right prospective investors for Hull KR.
“There is a very clear mandate to ensure that future investors fulfil our criteria and understand the objective of establishing Hull KR as a leading rugby league club - both in the Super League and further afield.
“We are very pleased that initial conversations are already taking place with interested parties, in the UK and worldwide.”
Hudgell reaffirmed his desire to buy back the stadium in the summer and he is confident the club will soon complete a deal for the freehold.
“With great support from Karl Turner (MP for East Hull) we have also re-engaged with Hull City Council regarding the purchase of the stadium and are in active dialogue,” he added. “Having submitted a written offer, discussions are encouraging, and we are hopeful we can achieve a positive outcome in the next couple of months. Securing ownership of our own stadium will be a significant step forward and would open up great opportunities.
“Paul will update further on the stadium purchase and potential investment in the New Year.
“Our on-field recruitment so far for next season has in my opinion been well received, quickly identifying and securing quality additions to our 2021 squad and great credit goes to Danny Mcguire (head of recruitment) and Tony Smith (head coach).
“In what has been the most difficult of years for everyone, the greatest thrill of all would be to see all our fans back inside Hull College Craven Park next season, hearing the roar of our fantastic support and for that, we remain increasingly hopeful.”