Update on the JR in Ben's programme notes. Bit worrying.
Read Ben Clasper's Column from our weekend's game with Folkestone Invicta
www.pitchero.com
It's more than a bit worrying, but it's been the case since at least the DHST AGM in the summer where Ben spoke about this and outlined the threats to us as an ongoing concern then. The fact that you only say 'bit worrying' highlights my concern entirely in that I don't think 99% of fans don't really understand the potential gravity of the situation if the JR doesn't go in our favour AND we can't get a longer lease to play at Champion Hill.
These two things in the article don't tally:
"...we have reached the point where time is now very much against us"
"We will publish the timeline in the coming weeks as well as information on how and when you can help."
If the first statement is true then the second part needs to get a serious shift on. The timeline up to the JR is known. I don't see what we can do to materially affect the JR now beyond telling the world who has brought this case, finding out who is funding it, and then hoping they do their best imitation of our government and pull it.
As I see it:
Best Case Scenarios:
JR applicant pulls the case completely and we can start to make some progress with building a new ground OR Southwark Council win the JR and the scheme starts to make some headway from the start of next year.
Worst Case Scenario:
Southwark Council lose the JR and the planning process has to be re-run with the risk that consent isn't achieved. DHFC left with just months on the lease to play at Champion Hill and have to negotiate with the National League / FA to allow them to continue playing at the ground without security of tenure.
Of course all of those concerns subside a little if the owners of Champion Hill decide that the Club can continue playing there for at least 3 years, preferably 99.
