Anybody else surprised but not surprised about Launcestons predicament?
Launceston annouced late last night that they have filed for voluntary administration as they cannot agree a deal to pay HMRC what is owed.
The intention from what has been written, is to fold the old holding company for the Cornish All Blacks (CAB's) and restart immediately a new club, I guess in theory with the same players, sponsors, shirts and everything else - is this fair?
Without getting into a debate about paying back the tax, because that comes out of everybodys pocket, what does this say about competing at Tier 3, 2 levels above our selves, or 2 steps from the premiership if you look at it the other way, the CAB's have chased the dream over the last few years, being promoted to Championship for one year, playing Northampton (!) one week, Cornish pirates the next, but at what cost?
I have no idea how much is owed and the inference is that it is the previous management that run up the debts, but this could very possibly lead to the club being kicked out Nat 1, and dropped down to Cornwall 1, I am sure Veor and Redruth Albany will be pleased about this, but the CAB's many and very loyal supporters? It will probably mean a 5 point deduction, is that a deterrent to other clubs?
It does show how difficult it is to move up the leagues and not put yourself in this position, I am sure I read a report 2-3 years ago lauding how well CAB's were doing the good management they have put in place, the large crowds and the sustainability of the club due to the good commercial revenue being raised?
I would love to see Barnstaple playing at a higher level, it is why I put time into committee meetings and tuesday nights, one day we may have the structure, the players and finances to do it, but god forbid we ever do it by putting ourselves in trouble with the tax man
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