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Archived News from May 2011

HASLAM`S LAWYERS: IT COULD BE 2013 BEFORE GROUND
2nd May 2011 18:20


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Lawyers claim it could be 2013 before Stags' ground battle is resolved
By bryan henesey, Evening Post, 27 April 2011

A LEGAL battle between Mansfield Town and its former owner over the club's ground may not be resolved until 2013, lawyers claim.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Lawyers-claim-2013-Stags-ground-battle-resolved/article-3490546-detail/article.html

The Stags are involved in a legal row with former owner Keith Haslam over Field Mill, which he is trying to repossess over non-payment of rent.

Mansfield chairman John Radford told the Post earlier this month he had made attempts to find a solution out of court, which he believed was still a possibility.

But lawyers representing Mr Haslam's company Stags Ltd have now said there have been no discussions in an attempt to reach a settlement.

A statement issued on behalf of Stags Ltd yesterday by Sheffield-based hlw commercial lawyers said: "There are no discussions regarding an out of court settlement or early resolution of the litigation taking place between the club and Stags Ltd. Indeed, no settlement discussions have taken place since the last court hearing on February 17, 2011.

"How long the action will take to be resolved will be a matter for the court but if the action was to proceed to trial, the litigation is unlikely to be concluded much before the end of 2012 or early 2013."

The legal team added: "Whilst Stags Ltd remains willing to have a constructive dialogue with Mr Radford regarding the future of the Field Mill Stadium, no sensible dialogue can be conducted via the media and Stags Ltd will only participate in further discussions via solicitors."

Solicitors from both sides were due to discuss the case at Birmingham High Court earlier this month but the hearing was postponed until June.

Mansfield must either own their ground or have a 10-year lease to be able to play in the Football League.

The club had neither when Mr Radford took over as the club's major shareholder and chairman in September last year. He paid £95,000 into a holding account as part of the interim agreement to keep the club at their home for the 2010-11 season.

A further £95,000 will be paid into the account by August 1 to allow the Stags to play at the ground in 2011-12.

In response to Stags Ltd's statement, Mr Radford said: "There are things happening in the background. Face-to-face talks haven't happened but there has been correspondence between solicitors.

"The Football Conference see no problem in us playing in the league next season but we cannot get promoted without owning the ground or having the lease.''

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Haslam denies Stags' claims on Field Mill talks progress
CHAD.co.uk, Wednesday 27 April 2011

STAGS landlord Keith Haslam today insisted suggestions of an early conclusion to the legal battle for ownership of Field Mill were wide of the mark.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/haslam_denies_stags_claims_on_field_mill_talks_progress_1_3324986

Stags have started legal action to repossess the ground from Haslam, stating the share dividend deal which landed him the ground was illegal.

Current club owner and chairman John Radford has told fans he is expecting it to be sorted sooner and than later and hoped for an out-of-court settlement. He also said he had made an offer to Haslam, that Haslam had been trying to get in touch with him, and that solicitors from the two sides were meeting earlier this month.

However, a statement from Haslam's solicitors today said: “We have been asked by our client to make clear its position regarding reports that have recently appeared in the media.

“Firstly there are currently no ongoing discussions regarding an out of court settlement or early resolution of the litigation currently taking place. Indeed, no settlement discussions have taken place since the last court hearing on 17th February.

“How long the action will take to be resolved will be a matter for the court, but if action was to proceed to trial, the litigation is unlikely to be concluded much before the end of 2012 or early 2013.

“Secondly, there have been no meetings between the lawyers as has recently been mentioned in the media.

“Whilst Stags Limited remains willing to have a constructive dialogue with Mr Radford regarding the future of the Field Mill Stadium, no sensible dialogue can be conducted via the media and Stags Limited will only participate in further discussions via solicitors.

“Stags Limited does not propose to maintain a running commentary on the litigation with the club.

“However, it considers the club's counterclaim to be without merit and will continue to vigorously defend its position in the event the counterclaim ultimately proceeds to trial, whenever that might be.”

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Field Mill Ground Row Could Go Into 2013
mansfield103.co.uk, Wednesday 27th April, 2011

Speculation a deal regarding Field Mill may soon be done is incorrect, according to the lawyers representing those who own the football ground.

http://www.mansfield103.co.uk/sport.php?n=1425

A statement from Stags Limited's solicitors says they want to make clear its position following media reports that a row over the ownership of the ground could soon be resolved.

They say there are currently no ongoing discussions regarding an out-of-court settlement or early resolution of the litigation currently taking place between themselves and Mansfield Town Football Club.

They also deny reports that there have been meetings between the lawyers of both parties.

The full statement reads: "We have been asked by Stags Limited and have been asked by our client to make clear its position regarding the litigation between Stags Limited and Mansfield Town Football Club concerning the Field Mill Stadium.

“Firstly there are currently no ongoing discussions regarding an out of Court settlement or early resolution of the litigation currently taking place between the Club and Stags Limited. Indeed, no settlement discussions have taken place since the last court hearing on 17 February 2011. How long the action will take to be resolved will be a matter for the Court but if the action was to proceed to trial, the litigation is unlikely to be concluded much before the end of 2012 or early 2013.

“Secondly, there have been no meetings between the lawyers as has recently been mentioned in the media. Whilst Stags Limited remains willing to have a constructive dialogue with Mr Radford regarding the future of the Field Mill Stadium, no sensible dialogue can be conducted via the media and Stags Limited will only participate in further discussions via Solicitors.

“Stags Limited does not propose to maintain a running commentary on the litigation with the Club. However, it considers the Club's counterclaim to be without merit and will continue to vigorously defend its position in the event the counterclaim ultimately proceeds to trial, whenever that might be.”

So far, there has been no comment about the statement from the football club

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