The Bees chairman Tony Kleanthous has accused Barnet council of victimising Barnet and said that he wait for a new administration to if the club can get support for a new stadium in the borough or a short term upgrade to the current Underhill site.
If the Bees go up they will be given three years to find a new home or they will be kicked out the league.
The Statement:
Statement from the Chairman
Last Updated : 19-Nov-2004 byThe club has reacted to a statement by Councillor Victor Lyon, the leader of the council, accusing Barnet FC of "dragging its feet over the issue" and saying that he wished that they would "stop pussy-footing around".
PR consultant Dennis Signy said: "This seems a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. When Mr Lyon came into office the club had planning permnission for a stadium at South Underhill from both the council and the GLA ... he has not raised a finger to help the club since taking over and are currently at a stalemate".
Mr Kleanthous said"I can't believe that he is saying this. I produced a document entitled Working together - a vision of the future in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet,
"I asked for four things - and look what has happened since. All four have been ruled out by the council. I want to make one thing clear and that is that we have had no support from Victor Lyon and his administration. Quite the opposite, in fact, constant victimisation from councilors and directors of thre council.
" I am going to wait for a new administration.I don't care if they are red or blue. I am not political. I just want a stadium for this club".
The new war of words follows Mr Lyon saying this week for the first time that Underhill was the only available site on which to build a new stadium in the borough and urging the football club to submit a planning application for a "modest" redevelopment.
He said that the club knew that they had only to sumit a proper planning application and - if the residents and Barnet Cricket Club are in agreement - everyone could move forward.
Mr Signy commented: "This is November 2004 and that is exactly what he said at a public meeting when the chairman produced his Working together document. Then he eventually said that there was not enough support from residents. The club has not been dragging its feet. The chairman's plans for upgrading Underhill have been baulked over and again".
Mr Lyon's leadership has been challenged and a prominent Conservative councillor has told the football club that any action he takes in his remaining months in office would not necessarily be supported by all of his group.
