Elton John concert cash 'for players' (From Watford Observer)
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Watford to 'explore every eventuality' to stage gig
8:10am Friday 27th March 2009 in Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Sir Elton John. Picture: Action Images
Sir Elton John wants to hold another money-spinning concert at Vicarage Road next summer with the proceeds going towards new signings for Watford.
The superstar celebrated his 62nd birthday on Wednesday by regaining his title as the Hornets’ Honorary Life President.
He relinquished the position in November in protest against the direction the club were heading under former chairman Graham Simpson and chief executive Mark Ashton.
Sir Elton raised around £1.3m when he held a concert in June 2005 as part of the ‘Buy Back the Vic’ campaign. But the rock star stunned the Watford hierarchy by stating that he wanted the cash to go towards strengthening former manager Aidy Boothroyd’s playing staff.
Now it seems the multi-millionaire is likely to have his wish granted second time around should the gig go ahead next summer.
Watford chairman Jimmy Russo said: “I am grateful that he will consider that and we will do everything we can to make it happen.
“Elton has specifically stated to me in the past that he would like that money to go towards players and new acquisitions.”
Hornets chief executive Julian Winter added: “Clearly, we were all delighted by Sir Elton’s acknowledgement of a potential concert here at Vicarage Road, and we’re already exploring ways of us facilitating this next close season.
“Of course, much will depend on the state of the reconstruction of the stadium at that time and how that will fit around the major logistical operation that is hosting a concert.
“What we will ensure is that we explore every eventuality because, clearly, there is nothing more we would like to see than Sir Elton John back at his spiritual home.”
The music star’s spokesman Gary Farrow could not confirm whether the concert will definitely go ahead at this stage, but Hornets director Graham Taylor said: “It was his idea. It was not something we asked him to do, but it’s another sign of his commimtent to Watford and that has always been there.”
Fellow boardroom member Stuart Timperley added: “He’s a very generous hearted bloke and loves the club and if he will commit to do that, that would be fantastic for us. And I’m sure if he says he’s going to do it, he’ll do it.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers joked: “All we need to do now is find the biggest stadium in the world, fill it and then we can get all that money.
“He has been terrific since coming back on board and has been very supportive,” the Hornets remarked on a more serious note.
“There is a lot of work to go into something like that so it is one for the future, but it is great that we may be able to get some more money to get players in.
“Next season we will not have much money, but I am confident we can do well next year and keep improving and then we can see about the summer.
“As for the concert, it would be great for Watford and everyone concerned.”
Comments(19)
Billie
says...
10:12am Fri 27 Mar 09
I really hope the logistical mess left by Ashton in respect of the stadium can be overcome. Is there no end to the shambolic legacy he left?
Massive playing contacts for players that don't play, balance of transfer fees (Ellington), money owed to agents, a building site and a derelict stand, and no doubt a claim for compensation for loss of office. Bit like RBS really. Nevertheless, great news about Elton, and a welcome boost for BR and the Board.
Billie
says...
10:14am Fri 27 Mar 09
stepheninsweden
says...
10:27am Fri 27 Mar 09
Surely that would net some big money.
worthing_hornet
says...
11:10am Fri 27 Mar 09
After the Goldrush
says...
11:57am Fri 27 Mar 09
The Rover
says...
1:55pm Fri 27 Mar 09
'Ong Kong 'Orn
says...
6:32pm Fri 27 Mar 09
I travelled back from Hong Kong for the last concert and it was a brilliant occasion. I hope I can do the same this time round, but (regardless) it would be nice to think folk would stop whinging for a moment and get behind SEJ, GT, BR and the club. Geez!
VoR
says...
7:12pm Fri 27 Mar 09
dorsethorn
says...
8:09pm Fri 27 Mar 09
1] What was the result of the naming the road for the the new access for the flats etc at the ground? . Mine was Yellow Brick Road , which I am sure was not alone.
2] Why is the panoramic photo of the last concert still not on sale ?
I'm getting a warm feeling again in my heart and tummy at the news that Sir EJ and GT are back in the fold . Lets hope they can bring back the FANTASTIC togetherness we enjoyed on the Vicarage Road Terrace , the Shrodells and half of the Rookery , or was it a 1/3rd , to our new generation .
WELCOME BACK SEJ.
p.s. excuse any spelling mistakes.
The Rover
says...
8:11pm Fri 27 Mar 09
I do not see anyone whinging and I have a life! I agree that what SEJ is offering is a fantastic gesture, its just that when you take into account the costs of hosting and the work involved it would make sense for there to be more than one concert as this would more than double the cash, if SEJ agreed of course.
By the way, the Stones and U2 were a joke, get a life!
dorsethorn
says...
8:14pm Fri 27 Mar 09
GOOD LUCK BRENDON
pfwhornets
says...
10:51pm Fri 27 Mar 09
The feel good factometer is rising. So many good things happening at the Vic.....keep it up board.
Chris the Vic
says...
11:26am Sat 28 Mar 09
Before SEJ had ago at the board I was one of the originals slating Homer but more so Boy Blunder. A lot of people had a go at me but in the cases of Roger and VoR they asked why and even though they didnt necessarily agree they respected my comments along with sage as I hopefully respected theirs even though we at times were opposite sides of the fence.
Also sometimes people cannot always publicly agree with comments because of their surrondings job etc.
What I would say is that VoR threads when he is not commenting on people insulting him are good as are Rogers and make a lot more sense.
Plenty of people made fools of themselves lecturing me on budgetting, ring fencing of monies etc when they hadn't a clue what was happening and couldnt in a million years read a set of accounts. Should we snipe at all of them Billie.
So move on and support the team, stop looking back at WFC we have to act sensibly and look forward to a good future under a competent board and manager.
You and others will appreciate how lucky we are despite a lack of money because in the next year at least ten clubs will hit major problems, far worse than ours, including premiership clubs.
dorsethorn
says...
3:41pm Sat 28 Mar 09
What has your rantings got to do with SEJ doing a gig at the Vic , to raise some dosh for the club we Love .
With respect , please sort out your issue with Vor - Homer , BBC , ITV , and the House of windsoroh and no doudt the G20 , on another forum . Perhaps the Bar in the Rookery at half time when we beat Barnsley .
Apart from that .
WELCOME BACK SIR ELTON.
BELGIAN HORNET
says...
2:20pm Sun 29 Mar 09
Billie
says...
8:06pm Mon 30 Mar 09
Snipe is an interesting word.
It is a bird with a very long bill...which suits MA and GS...as they have left us with a very long bill, or a marksman firing from distance and seeking anonimity. I am neither, but I am totally supportive of the new order at WFC, and disgusted by the old. I am none too happy with disloyalty as well, which is how I see vOr's rahther accurate leaks. Are you suggesting I can't read a balance sheet Chris? Do you know the difference between a balance sheet and an operating statement?
Chris the Vic
says...
1:18pm Tue 31 Mar 09
VoR
says...
5:18pm Tue 31 Mar 09
I don't remember seeing any gagging orders on this site.
Paradise Watford says...
9:05am Fri 27 Mar 09