IT has been a difficult week for fans, staff and players as Worcester Warriors' future hangs in the balance.
Here is everything we know so far since it was given a winding up petition by HMRC.
What is happening at Worcester Warriors?
Worcester Warriors were issued with a winding up petition by HMRC last week which has led to widespread worry about the future of the club.
Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, Worcester Warriors owners, said they are "working through a number of options" with advisors to navigate the club through their financial situation.
A statement from Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham said:" There has been much speculation and rumour circulating in the media and among our supporters about the future of Worcester Warriors.
"Over the past week, a lot of work has been done away from the media spotlight to try to navigate the club through the challenges that we currently face.
"That work continues, discussions are ongoing and we are reviewing the options available to the club.
"We continue to work closely with HMRC, Premiership Rugby, the RFU and DCMS to find the best solution to the situation. We are very grateful for the support these organisations have shown to the club.
"We are now working through a number of options with our advisors. These include solutions for keeping rugby at Sixways and we will communicate further as soon as a decision has been finalised.
"We are grateful to our staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and suppliers for their commitment, loyalty and support during what has been a difficult period for all involved in the club.
"We also greatly appreciate the messages of concern and support that we have received from across the rugby world and the wider sporting community."
What is a winding-up petition?
According to Gov.uk, you can apply to the court to close or ‘wind up’ a company if it cannot pay its debts. This is also known as compulsory liquidation.
To wind up a company you must:
- be owed £750 or more
- be able to prove that the company cannot pay you
- You need to fill in forms and send them to the right court to apply to wind up a company.
Your application to the court is known as a ‘winding-up petition’. If you’re successful:
- the company assets are sold
- any legal disputes are settled
- the company collects money it’s owed
- funds are paid to you and any other creditors
What about the players and Sixways Stadium staff?
The club's accounts are currently frozen due to the winding up petition and with the club's payroll due in eight days, the threat of players and staff having to leave the club becomes extremely real if a solution is not found.
The players returned to training on Monday after a weekend of not knowing what is going to happen.
Staff also remain out of the loop as confusion and doubt continues to loom over the club, just three weeks before the start of the Gallagher Premiership season.
What about Worcester Raiders FC?
Worcester Raiders FC play their games at Sixways Stadium, and so far, there has been no update about the future of the local football side.
Tomorrow, despite the ongoing situation, the game against Malvern Town FC will still be going ahead in the Emirates FA Cup.
The club issued a statement yesterday regarding taking money at the game.
The statement said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances at this current time, it will be cash only on the turnstiles for our FA Cup Replay with Malvern Town FC.
"It is going to be a huge day and occasion for us all. We’re expecting a big crowd so please arrive with plenty of time as there will be queues.
"We wanted to give supporters plenty of warning about the issue. We are working to find a solution so fans can pay by card.
"The club are very grateful for all of our committee members and the staff at Sixways Stadium who will be volunteering on Wednesday evening.
"It goes without saying that it has been a challenging few days for everyone involved and connected with Sixways Stadium."
What about Morecambe FC?
The same owners also own Morecambe FC, and many fans of the club have been sharing their fears over the future of their club.
Despite the same ownership, the football club said that they will not be affected by the situation.
A statement shared on the Morecombe FC website said: "Following the update from Worcester Warriors dated 22 August 2022, the Morecambe Football Club Board of Directors, including the owners, would like to reassure supporters that this has no impact on Morecambe FC.
"Our finances are independent, as are our budgets. We do not owe Worcester Warriors any monies and the only shared position is that we have owners in common.
"We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the Club maintains a healthy position and will continue to do so moving forwards.
"We wish Worcester Warriors and all associated the very best."
What have Cecil Duckworth's family and key figures at Warriors said?
The family of Worcester Warriors' former executive chairman and club legend Cecil Duckworth have released a statement following the news of the club's financial crisis.
The statement read: "The Duckworth family are very saddened by the recent news at Worcester Warriors.
"Cecil and others spent many years building up the rugby club and know he would be devastated by the events which are unfolding.
"Our thoughts are with the staff and players."
Former Worcester Warriors' director of rugby, Gary Gold, has urged the club's owners to 'do the right thing' in honour of Cecil Duckworth CBE.
He said: "I am 100 per cent behind this initiative. Do not allow this man’s legacy to be decimated.
"He gave everything to this club and the fans. He was, and still is, an absolute legend of the Premiership Rugby roots. The game owes it to Cecil Duckworth."
England centre and Worcester Warriors' Ollie Lawrence is the first player from the club to speak out regarding the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club's financial situation.
Mr Lawrence, age 22, said: "Before anyone decides to state or complain that I’m slating the reputation of the people that pay our wages, I’m really not.
"They invested in the club and tried to “create change” so I can’t fault that. But Cecil Duckworth created a legacy for this club, and that is close to being tarnished currently.
"There just comes a point where people’s careers, livelihoods and families are being affected. Which I believe should be answered for.
"I have nothing but respect for the whole players and staff for continuing to pitch up every day with all this uncertainty.
"The rumour mill will continue, but it’s above us now as to what happens, but for now we’ll crack on as a team and wait to see what unfolds."
The MP for Worcester, Robin Walker, has also released a full statement about the situation at the club.
Robin Walker said: "As a long-term supporter of the club, I am deeply concerned about the current situation at Worcester Warriors.
"Not only is this a Premiership club, with fans, players, and staff who live for the club, but it is also a community asset which Worcester residents value very highly.
"As Worcester’s MP I have seen the pride that has been generated and the enormous community benefit delivered by having a Premiership Rugby club in the city. I will do anything I can to see that continue.
"I am calling for an urgent meeting, backed by colleagues in Parliament, to ensure that any future proposals for the club and its grounds have the interests the community and the sport at its heart.
"I hope we can meet with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council, and Wychavon District Council at the earliest opportunity to discuss what they can do together to protect this vital sporting and community asset.
"It is important that we do all we can to try to save the club, but even in the un-looked for event of some form of administration, then local residents need to have confidence that the club’s assets are used for sporting and community value, and not sold off for profit.
"I’ve lost count of the number of Premiership Rugby Community Awards I have attended in Parliament where Worcester Warriors have consistently been praised and highlighted for their work in the community. I want to ensure that work continues for generations to come.
"The late Cecil Duckworth worked tirelessly to ensure this, once humble club became a competitive outfit at the top of English rugby and I agree with his family that it is vital we all work to protect his legacy.
"I can recall attending games of WRFC when they were in North Midlands Division Two with Cecil then watching as his vision and determination saw them all the way to the top flight.
"It is vital that local Councils work together with supporters of the club to ensure that they have the best possible chance to stay there."
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