Fans applaud ‘great news’ on club’s fate
NEATH rugby supporters say they are ready to take over the running of the club following the news that controversial owner Mike Cuddy is set to step away “within weeks”.
Mr Cuddy has revealed he is ready to pass on ownership of The Gnoll club, which has been heralded as “great pre-christmas news” for fans of the stricken Principality Premiership side.
Neath have been gripped by crisis since a winding-up order was brought against them at the start of November.
That was dismissed by a judge in Cardiff earlier this month because of “unclear paperwork”, but amid continued financial uncertainty which has seen assets frozen and wages go unpaid, a host of players have left the club, along with head coach Simon King and his coaching staff.
Neath have been unable to fulfil fixtures against Bedwas and RGC 1404 and have needed to draft in permit players from the lower leagues to get a team out for other games.
All the while, Neath’s supporters have called on Mr Cuddy – who says he is unable to continue in charge because of illhealth – to relinquish his grip so that new investors can be brought on board.
It is understood a consortium of business people is standing by to take over.
This week, 68 former players gave their backing to the call for new ownership.
And the supporters group yesterday issued a statement welcoming the news that change is imminent.
“The group has acknowledged the impact of financial difficulties and ill-health on Mr Cuddy and believes that his decision to leave “within weeks” is the best outcome for all concerned and “great pre-christmas news for all Neath Rugby supporters,” according to a statement posted on the club’s official website.
The statement added: “The supporters group has been in regular contact with Mr Cuddy for several months; whilst Mr Cuddy has repeatedly said that it is his intention to sell the club, no evidence of a potential sale has yet emerged.
“Mr Cuddy was told last week by the supporters group that it was 100% intent on doing everything possible to restore Neath Rugby to the people of Neath but had no interest in buying Neath Rugby Limited from Mr Cuddy.
“Our message to Mr Cuddy is that we are ready and willing to take over the running of Neath Rugby as soon as he decides to leave.
“The supporters group has emphasised throughout that the club must always come before any individual and that it will be delighted to assist any persons interested in investing in Neath Rugby with the aim of restoring its reputation both on and off the field.”
The statement went on to say that supporters fear that the club could be relegated to the bottom tier of the national league ladder if they continued to postpone fixtures.
Neath, currently bottom of the Premiership table with just one win to their name, are due to face Bridgend at The Brewery Field on Saturday, although whether the club can put together a side and bring in new coaches for the game remains to be seen.