Warwickshire County Cricket Club under fire over 'threats' to move to Coventry

May 13 2009 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

“I don’t know anyone here that isn’t committed to the cricket club staying in the area and expanding, it’s just the way they go about it,” he added.

Club supporters also gave a mixed reaction to possibly movub if planning permission is not agreed.

“It would be a shame to lose Test cricket from Birmingham,” said Alan Hadley, of Oldbury. “Hopefully, Coventry expressing an interest will make Birmingham City Council and Warwickshire come up with something. But if that doesn’t happen, and the offer from Coventry might keep Test cricket in the West Midlands, then it is something that has to be considered.”

David Penny, from Rugby, pointed out that such a move would suit some Bears followers.

“It would be a major upheaval for the club,” he said. “But it would be good for me, living in Rugby, and also benefit all the other Warwickshire supporters living in the east of Warwickshire.”

Steve Castle, from Cannock, believes a move out of the Birmingham could have a negative impact on attendances that are hardly sky-high at the best of times.

“I would probably travel the extra miles out of the city because I am very enthusiastic about cricket,” he said. “But I think a lot of the more casual supporters would be deterred. Also, Warwickshire County Cricket Club represents not just a county or a city but a region. And ideally it should be in the centre of that region.”

Kevin Grady, of Sutton Coldfield, welcomed the interest from Coventry City Council.

“I am not averse to any idea that could get the process moving forward and save it from prolonging the current state of trench warfare,” he said. “It would be a huge undertaking for the club but they would not be the first major sporting organisation to uproot.

But former city councillor Ron Whitehouse urged the council to back the club. “The cricket club was there a long time before the residents. It is already falling behind other cricket clubs. They must approve the development.”