Workington Reds will die if forced into new stadium, says Brotherton

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 13:48, Friday, 10 October 2008

Ex-chairman Dale Brotherton warned that Workington Reds would die if forced by Allerdale Council in to a proposed new super stadium.

Dale Brotherton

Brotherton, still the club’s largest shareholder, predicted that Reds could not compete financially if moved by the council, as its revenue-raising capability would be severely curtailed.

And he is to ask his lawyers to examine aspects of the ambitious multi-million pound stadium proposal.

“The council is prepared to throw £31m down the drain to murder Workington Reds,” he fumed. “I’m 100% opposed to it and always have been.

“If the club goes in to the stadium, it will be the end. I’m not being alarmist, I’m being realistic.

“People say to me that the new stadium will attract players. Tell me one club that has attracted new players to a multi-use stadium?”

He also warned that if Reds went in to the new stadium and then tried to back out at a later date, the base of volunteers who currently help maintain the club may no longer be there.

“I believe the council has not yet told the football club how much it’s going to pay to use the new stadium,” he continued. “The council is heading full pelt in to something that will be a disaster.”

Brotherton ruled out a return to the Reds’ board to fight the stadium plan from within.

“I’ve been out of it for two years, and I’m definitely not interested in returning,” he said.

Allerdale Council will make its final decision on the stadium plan next month and Reds plan to lobby councillors ahead of the vote.

Reds are to hold an open meeting next Tuesday night to update fans on the latest controversial plans for a super stadium for the town.

The football club is implacably opposed to the proposal for a single shared stadium for Reds and Workington Town.

“I’ll reassure members and supporters that we are still going at it,” Reds chairman Humphrey Dobie said. “I’ll tell them everything I know and will answer any questions that I can. I fully expect a large majority to be against what’s planned.”

The Reds’ meeting next week starts at 7pm at Borough Park.