The leader of at Nottingham City Council has said he shares the concerns of fans about the troubled financial position of Notts County Football Club, and said he would never consider selling off the freehold for the lease of Meadow Lane.
He was speaking today at a full council meeting, after a question was asked by Kevin Clarke, the leader of the Nottingham Independents, who represents Clifton East.
Councillor Clarke - a Nottingham Forest fan - said: “Given the troubled situation at Notts County, can the council assure fans of the club - who are at this time increasingly anxious regarding the club’s future - that they will approach talks with interested parties, as well as the future purchaser, with the best interests of the 157-year-old club at the forefront of their minds?”
Council leader David Mellen, who supports Ipswich Town, said he shared the Notts fans’ concerns, and said the council would continue to work with all parties for the best interests of the club.
He said: “The situation at Notts County is an issue of great concern to the city council, and a large number of people in the city and beyond.
“We understand the financial and footballing challenges the club faces. However the club has a long and proud history in Nottingham, and it would be a travesty if it was put at risk.
“Our interests are in ensuring Notts County continues to make a major contribution to life in the city, and I can absolutely assure you that any discussions we hold on this subject are with this in mind.
“While we hold the freehold to the ground, the leaseholder is the Haydn Green Foundation, and for many years they have acted in the best interests both of the football club and the wider community, and I’m sure they will continue to do so.”
Former deputy leader of the council Graham Chapman, who represents Aspley for Labour, asked: “Could the leader confirm, as owners of the ground lease we will never sell up and that via the lease, we see ourselves as the custodians of the future of the club?”
Councillor Mellen, who represents the Dales Ward for Labour, replied: “Yes, I agree with you. It’s a difficult time for Notts County. As a resident of Meadow Lane myself I know the cheers haven’t quite been as loud recently, from the crowds I can hear in my back garden.
“But we are confident with the many people who have Notts County in their hearts that a way forward can be found through this.
“I think it is worth telling the council that despite them not being paid, the players are still in pre-season training, and it didn’t stop them from turning out to their pre-season friendly at the weekend, where they secured a 2-0 win over Nuneaton."
The council leader also praised Lilian Greenwood, the Labour MP for Nottingham South.
He said: “Lilian Greenwood has done a great job in getting some answers to questions fans have been asking for a long time.”
Prospective buyers of the club have been exploring development opportunities, but the council confirmed to Nottinghamshire Live last week that there were "no live negotiations" around development around Meadow Lane.
