We do not believe it is helpful to anyone to allow the current situation to degenerate into a public debate. What they have said is their interpretation of negotiations which have been long and complicated.

The Holbrook Club has enjoyed and continues to enjoy the benefit of highly subsidised terms as a result of its origins as part of The Royal and Sun Alliance group.

On any interpretation of their current terms (which the directors of Holbrook have freely accepted) they currently pay well below market rental for what they occupy.

Over a period of what will be nearly two years HFC has not attempted to increase that rent.

HFC has attempted over the last year to negotiate with The Holbrook Club, in good faith, terms which would apply if the planning application was successful.

At every stage HFC has provided unequivocal assurances that we wished to see the long term survival of the HC and had hoped that in return the HC's support for the planning application (as had been promised at the outset )would be forthcoming.

It is now clearly evident that despite the views expressed by the directors of HC the pressures on them were too great and it has suited them not to reach any form of agreement with HFC.

As for selling the site, it is clear and important to note that whilst continuing discussions with HFC and whilst our planning application has been pending, there have been parallel negotiations between The Holbrook Club and others to seek ways of enabling The Holbrook Club to acquire the site directly the Planning Application was turned down.

Perhaps that is a reason why they were never able to agree terms and they have not publicly stated their support as originally indicated?

HFC has no intention of selling the site ,especially whilst we consider the next move to secure our home base at The Holbrook Club. This is a very long term investment for the benefit of Horsham Football Club, its Shareholders and Members.

Having sold the Queen Street ground it is absolutely essential that we preserve such a valuable investment for the future.

We have been perfectly open with The Holbrook Club from day one of negotiations when we advised them of our commitment to ensure the survival of a Sports and Social Club on the site.

What we cannot do though is to allow the current heavily subsidised situation to continue. The HC must find ways of making their business model work at a realistic market rent If they cannot then we must consider other options.

We have throughout our negotiations offered Holbrook the opportunity for a joint venture with Horsham Football Club but this has been turned down flatly by them.

It has always been our belief that together we can offer the very best community facility for the members of both clubs and the people of Holbrook.

Whatever happens with our negotiations, Horsham as a Community can be assured of Horsham Football Club's long term commitment to a top quality Sports and Leisure complex in North Heath Lane.

Horsham Football Club