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Saracens expect final decision on future in Watford by end of this week

4:50pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in


Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths says he hopes to be in a position to confirm whether the rugby club will remain at Vicarage Road by the end of this week.

Watford set Sarries a deadline of September 3 to inform the Hornets' board whether they will be staying at Vicarage Road beyond this season.

But Griffiths this afternoon said he “hoped” Saracens would announce whether they will be staying in Hertfordshire by the end of this week.

The Watford Observer understands discussions between Watford and Sarries have progressed positively today and a joint statement from the two clubs could be made as early as tomorrow.

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."

Yesterday morning, Watford chief executive Julian Winter said he planned to make a “fuller announcement” today but we understand the Hornets are keen to do a joint statement tomorrow before making a further comment.

Watford activated the break clause in Sarries' 'tenancy' agreement in May, which meant the rugby club would leave Watford at the end of this season unless a new lease could be agreed.

Saracens pay Watford £489,000 a year to play at Vicarage Road but the football club have stated on a number of occasions that the sum is not enough.

The Hornets were also keen to include the development of the South-West corner of the stadium and the East Stand into discussions.

Comments(11)

WFC4ever says...
5:08pm Tue 7 Sep 10

So are sarries lookign at other options to see if they can get them to work rather than agreeing to carry on at the Vic?

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CroxleyTandoori says...
5:10pm Tue 7 Sep 10

Looks like they are staying and paying for the east stand and the corners.

That is all

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a1derek says...
5:38pm Tue 7 Sep 10

And one of these new fangled pitches that allow three games a week of any sport and stay nice please!

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herts hornet says...
5:38pm Tue 7 Sep 10

looks like this saga is nearing an end
time for sarries to put up or shut up as the saying goes ,personally have no problem with sarries staying but needs to be on much more even terms ,and for all those worried them leaving will leave WFC struggling i know for a fact there are some investors out there looking at WFC very closley BUT will not get involved if the Rugby stays so hopefully either way some better news on the horizon ! Mr Griffiths i would snap Mr Winters hand off if i was you as very much doubt you have a better offer despite you saying you have other viable options AND to mr Winter do not let this drag on much longer beleive you have handled this very well and sarries and Mr Grifiths would do well to get it sorted .

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WFC4ever says...
5:44pm Tue 7 Sep 10

CroxleyTandoori wrote:
Looks like they are staying and paying for the east stand and the corners. That is all
Thst would be nice of them..hopefully both can sort this out for the best of the club and us fans!

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Johnny Ryden says...
5:58pm Tue 7 Sep 10

So called "Partnerships" like this seldom deliver; often joked about in Business as "Partnershaft"; one side gives and the other takes!

The greyhounds didn't work; Wealdstone didn't work and Saracens won't work.

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JeffHornet says...
6:36pm Tue 7 Sep 10

TS's move to QPR has not been allowed for "adminstration reasons"

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mattymashup says...
4:34am Wed 8 Sep 10

looks like a promising enough statement. Particularly about the fact both parties want the stadium to be improved. I would quite happily sit in the new saracens stand

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fairwater says...
6:53am Wed 8 Sep 10

It is obvious they will stay, as I stated on the other thread, because Nigel Wray knows a good deal when he sees one. I also believe he has even more illustrious plans for the Vic in the future, but with Sarries taking the leading role, and not WFC.
And for those who did not read the article clearly, here is the important quote: "But Griffiths this afternoon said he hoped Saracens would announce whether they will be staying in Hertfordshire by the end of this week".
Where else in Herts could Saracens possibly find a home?

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stevyweavy says...
10:56am Wed 8 Sep 10

fairwater wrote:
It is obvious they will stay, as I stated on the other thread, because Nigel Wray knows a good deal when he sees one. I also believe he has even more illustrious plans for the Vic in the future, but with Sarries taking the leading role, and not WFC. And for those who did not read the article clearly, here is the important quote: "But Griffiths this afternoon said he hoped Saracens would announce whether they will be staying in Hertfordshire by the end of this week". Where else in Herts could Saracens possibly find a home?
The important part of his comment is whether they will be staying in Hertfordshire not where in Hertfordshire. Clearly the only place in Hertfordshire is Vicarage Road the question is can they find an affordable alternative in London where they are likely to attract bigger gates and at present I think the answer is no. They have been wowed by the big gates at Wembley but if we put on three or four matches at Wembley I bet we would get more than double our normal gate just for the novelty factor.

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BigDaveH says...
1:09pm Wed 8 Sep 10

I think there are a number of options in Hertfordshire for Saracens. They train at St.Albans. Nigel Wray could build his own stadium if he really wanted to. How about Stevenage Borough? It would not surprise me if Saracens wanted to become the senior partner. They certainly do not need a ground with massive capacity. It is just a thought. I would personally prefer them to stay and commit to developing the ground and pitch.

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Saracens expect final decision on future in Watford by end of this week. Picture: Action Images Saracens expect final decision on future in Watford by end of this week. Picture: Action Images

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