To much dismay yesterday, the news broke that former Super League club Halifax Panthers could lose their famous stadium the Shay.
This came as reports emerged claiming that the local council, Calderdale Council, were considering “disposing” of the stadium which would spell the end of the sport being played at the famous old ground and would leave the club in a dangerous situation.
Not only would this massively hurt the club’s IMG score but it could also leave them in violation of IMG’s minimum standards.
How promotion works in Super League?
Since relegation in 2003, Halifax have been battled hard to return to Super League but have been unable to despite a number of different systems; the Middle 8s, Grand Finals and licencing.
Now to secure Super League promotion you must score high under IMG’s gradings but if you violate their minimum standards there is no chance of promotion which is a fear that Salford Red Devils had earlier this year due to their own stadium worries.
So, this news represents a massive issue for the club moving forward but one the club are working to resolve.
Halifax Panthers Chairman issues statement
*** General Stadium View during the Betfred Championship match between Halifax Panthers and Toulouse at the Shay Stadium, Halifax, UK on 9 September 2023. Copyright: xSimonxHallx 38280001
In response to this news the Halifax Panthers have issued a statement to clarify the situation to fans.
The statement comes from Chair Dave Grayson and reads: “Following on from last week’s announcement by the Council over their current and future budgetary challenges and the possible impact this could have on the Shay, for both professional clubs, please note the following:
“These are difficult times for us all and the Board at Halifax Panthers fully appreciate the predicament the Council find themselves in to balance the books etc.
“The Board are also conscious of the impact this could have for both professional Clubs as current tenants of the Shay.
“With the above in mind, and to try safeguard the future of professional sport at the Shay, the Panthers Board’s current direction of travel is to work closely with both FCHT and CMBC to find a solution that fits all.
“It is very early in the piece and provisional talks have/will be taking place with the above parties to assimilate all the information and facts before moving forward.
“In the meantime, there is a consultation process that the Council have initiated over the next 6 weeks where YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY.
“I would respectfully ask you to complete the survey and express your desire for the Shay to continue to be the home for both professional football and rugby for many years to come. (To this end, please see the attached link(s) below)
“Further communication will be made to all once there is progress and news to deliver. In the meantime, rest assured that myself and all the Board at Halifax Panthers are passionate about both Clubs continuing at the Shay now and in the future and will be making every effort to ensure that happens.”
