STADIUM TAG NO BIG DEAL, SAYS BAILEY

30 June 2005

The man who helped deliver Swansea's new £27 million stadium says there are more important issues than what it will eventually be called. The Morfa ground is due to open in a matter of weeks but still has no name as bosses continue their search for a deal on naming rights.

But Councillor Lawrence Bailey, the man who oversaw the deal that provided the cash for the development, has warned its long-term financial success needs to be guaranteed.

He has called on stadium management firm Stadco to be more open, especially about the sudden departure of former chief executive Tim Howell.

He left the £50,000-a-year post just six months after taking the top job without explanation.

Councillor Bailey said Stadco should tell all.

He said: "Recent history shows that it is a mistake for anyone to think that they can continually trade on the goodwill of the fan base.

"If they are up-front about the issues, then they will find that the support that fans can provide is second to none."

Stadco had said they expected to announce a deal for the naming rights by the end of the month but were remaining tight lipped earlier this week.

Councillor Bailey came up with the working title of White Rock for the stadium, which proved popular with fans but was later ditched.

He says he hopes a sponsor for the stadium can be found soon but says it is one factor in making sure Swansea's biggest asset is a success.

Councillor said: "People need to concentrate less on packaging and spend more effort on making sure Swansea doesn't get lumbered with a stadium that needs public subsidy to survive.

"But if there is a viable commercial package in the offing that can secure the stadium's future, and continue to provide a first-class setting for sport in Swansea, then we should work together to ensure that it happens."