Stevens hopeful of tying up Tunbridge Wells deal

Ex-England international Gary Stevens remains hopeful of finalising his protracted takeover of Tunbridge Wells FC after continued discussions with the council over the club's lease, writes Ed Aarons.

Members ratified the Kent and Sussex Courier columnist's bid to take control at an EGM back in June but complications with the transfer of the lease to his name meant that Stevens and his business partner Tim Gourmand have so far yet to officially assume power.

The major stumbling block appears to be a long list of dilapidations at Culverden Down that must be dealt with before any transfer can be completed, although according to current chairman Nigel Bourne, that is close to be resolved following meetings with Nigel Bolton, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Head of Leisure Services.

"We have sent letters to let them know what has been done already and guaranteeing that Gary will fulfil the rest of the conditions when he takes over," said Bourne. "It's a matter of common sense and hopefully we can sort it out quickly."

Stevens has already spent £10,000 on financing the club but has grown impatient at the length of time it has taken to seal the takeover.

He wrote a letter to members last week where he stated no further funds would be provided until the lease has been transferred and has set a four-week ultimatum to have the issue resolved.

"Once that is done then I can start doing some of the things I've wanted to do for the last three or four months," said Stevens.

"In many ways, it's still in the hands of the club and council's solicitors. One of the major problems is that poor administration has meant the process with the trustees still has not been completed.

"It would be a real relief when it is finally done because I've put an awful lot of time and money into the club. Then the work would really start but it's something I am really looking forward to."

Initially, the ex-Spurs and Brighton full back is looking to plough in £50,000 to help refurbish the clubhouse and try to make the club self-sufficient.

He also has plans to improve changing room facilities and introduce a 3G artificial pitch to enable the club to use the Culverden all year round, although Stevens admitted that he is taking one step at a time.

"Most businesses initially operate at a loss at first so our aim is to make the club self-supporting within a year," he revealed.

"The clubhouse has to become the lifeblood of the club - we want people in our bar all day on Saturday so it becomes a focal point for the town, as well as hosting functions. That is the only way that we are going to make the club self-supporting but I'm confident we have the potential to achieve that."

He added: "I'm not a benefactor, so I won't be propping up the club just as a hobby. I've told them that I won't be putting anymore money into the club until this is sorted - it has been going on for far too long."

Commenting on the state of the lease, Nigel Bolton expected there to be no complications with Stevens's takeover but urged patience while the correct procedures are carried out.

"We're working as quickly as possible but there is a process that needs to be adhered to," he said.

"Once all the problems with the trustees have been sorted out then there's no reason why the transfer of the lease cannot go ahead."

Article courtesy of Kent & Sussex Newspaper, 21^st September – www.thisiscourier.co.uk