Watford 'disappointed' with delay in Saracens' stadium decision

5:01pm Wednesday 8th September 2010

By Frank Smith

Watford have released a statement saying they are “disappointed” Saracens have yet to confirm whether the rugby club are remaining at Vicarage Road beyond this season.

Sarries had a board meeting last Friday and chief executive Edward Griffiths had previously indicated a decision would be made that day.

Griffiths’ opposite number Julian Winter also said he expected to find out by the September 3 deadline but Saracens are yet to inform Watford whether they plan to leave Vicarage Road in June.

Saracens will stop playing at the stadium next summer unless a new lease can be agreed after Watford activated a break clause in May.

Had the Hornets not done so, the rugby club could have remained at the stadium until 2017 on the same agreement, which sees Watford receive just £489,000 a year from Sarries.

The Hornets have made two separate proposals to the Men in Black’s board and the development of the East Stand and South West corner have been part of discussions.

“There’s no doubt that a working partnership with Saracens at Vicarage Road can only be to the benefit of the long-term aims of both our club and the stadium,” Winter said.

“But given the clear guidelines which were set out as part of our discussions, and the fact the partnership principle has been on the table for over a year, the board of Watford FC is disappointed that this matter still remains unresolved.

“We are, however, still in positive dialogue with Saracens’ officials, so at this moment there is a possibility of the rugby club remaining at Vicarage Road beyond June 2011,” Winter added..

“As our fans I’m sure would expect of us, we are working on plans which deal with both possible outcomes.”

Yesterday, Griffiths said he hoped to decide whether Saracens will be staying at Vicarage Road by the end of this week.

Griffiths said: "Discussions are continuing with Watford. We have always had an excellent relationship with them. We hope to be in a position to reach a final decision by the weekend but these things take time.

"Watford have been open and constructive throughout and I couldn't speak too highly of Julian Winter and Watford in what is a challenging situation.

"We share a desire to see the stadium upgraded and we are trying to see how we can ensure this works."