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The Lancashire Telegraph's Darwen FC section - for the latest Darwen FC news and match reports.

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    Most read Comments
    Darwen football stadium - 4,000 miles from Tulsa!
    ARTIST'S IMPRESSION: It's of a 30,000-seater stadium in the United States.
    ARTIST'S IMPRESSION: It's of a 30,000-seater stadium in the United States.

    RESIDENTS have been left confused after pictures of Darwen's new football ground were published - showing a 30,000-seater stadium in the United States.

    The image, described as an "artist's impression of the planned stadium", showed the University of Tulsa American football stadium in Oklahoma.

    Darwen FC chairman Ted Ward wants to build a 5,000 capacity stadium, with shops and a hotel, on land at Robin Bank in Darwen.

    Bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the site, say they were approached yesterday to buy the land but there were no "firm proposals " at this stage.

    For Darwen party leader Tony Melia, who has been involved in the plans, said the image showed "the sort of stadium" the club wanted to build.

    And Peter Holland, the editor of newspaper The Darrener, which unveiled the plans, and is based at Darwen FC's Anchor Ground, said the picture would be used on leaflets publicising the stadium plans.

    But the decision to use the home of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane team, 4,000 miles from Darwen, to publicise the plans has been criticised.

    Labour's shadow regeneration member Andy Kay said: "I would hesitate to say they were lying, but they are certainly being economical with their images.

    "There's no chance something like that would fit on Robin Bank.

    "An artist's impression should be what is possible on that site.

    "I am stumped for words - it's totally misleading."

    Tory Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "When I saw the picture I thought it was a bit over the top.

    "It's a speculative approach and we are considering other plans for the land.

    "At this time of year, coming up to elections, you have to take everything with a pinch of salt."

    The American stadium, on the famous Route 66, was first built in 1930 when it was known as the Skelly Field stadium.

    It was renovated in 2007, with a new press box and 22 executive suites added.

    Coun Melia said: "I have been involved from the point of view of asking the questions of the council and suggesting a site.

    "The picture is an image of a stadium, and it's the type of design they want to put in Darwen."

    Mr Ward refused to speak to the Lancashire Telegraph.

    Mr Holland said: "I am not sure where the artist's impressions came from.

    "All I can say is that image is going to be used in leaflets and one or two presentations over the coming weeks.

    "It will be used until the formal images are ready."

    Andrew Lightfoot, deputy chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen council said: "We have today received an expression of interest in land at Robin Bank and await firm proposals.

    "Once we have received more information the council will consider its position."

    8:39am Thursday 24th April 2008

    Print   Email this   Comment
    Posted by: Andy B, Darwen on 8:51am Thu 24 Apr 08
    From what I have read on other news stories, I suggest the Council only consider selling with a Cash on Delivery clause. None of this "the cheques in the post" business. And don't forget to ensure that the only thing allowed to be built on the land is the design presented at the time.
    Posted by: Nigel, darwen on 9:25am Thu 24 Apr 08
    What are chances this Artists impression will be appearing on a "FOR DARWEN" last minute leaflet in the local elections?
    Posted by: Sceptical freelancer on 9:51am Thu 24 Apr 08
    Interesting to see how Peter Holland is trying to distance himself from this. How can he not known where the images have come from? He is the editor of the paper and has ultimate responsibility for anything that goes in it.
    He also wasn't willing to add his name to the news report he wrote for The Darrener about the stadium.
    Posted by: Dave Wild, Darwen on 10:00am Thu 24 Apr 08
    Wait and see!
    Posted by: dave, Darwen on 10:44am Thu 24 Apr 08
    I thought the people of Darwen were supposed to be deciding what they wanted to happen with the land at Robin Bank...

    ... once again it would seem if the price is right the council don't care about the people
    Posted by: Between the lines, Darwen on 10:50am Thu 24 Apr 08
    It doesnt matter a jot what pictures have been used, at the end of the day Robin Bank has sat a waste land for decades, no one else has put forward any propositions to devolop the area, and if this does come off then it will be marvelous for Darwen. Admit it LET your upset that you didnt get the story first!!!
    Posted by: Dave, Darwen on 11:37am Thu 24 Apr 08
    Between the lines wrote:
    It doesnt matter a jot what pictures have been used, at the end of the day Robin Bank has sat a waste land for decades, no one else has put forward any propositions to devolop the area, and if this does come off then it will be marvelous for Darwen. Admit it LET your upset that you didnt get the story first!!!
    How could the Telegraph or any other media outlet get the story (if there is one) about a possible new Darwen FC ground, ahead of the club's own newspaper?!
    Posted by: graham, darwen on 12:02pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Darwen FC chairman Ted Ward wants to build a 5,000 capacity stadium, with shops and a hotel, on land at Robin Bank in Darwen

    I think its a great idea !!
    Posted by: ayeoright, la la land on 12:38pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    I see I've had my wrist slapped for being negative about Ted Ward - hey ho, the truth will out. Free speech, at what cost - 22 million to build a pie in the sky?
    Posted by: Same old same old..., darwen on 1:29pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Same grumpy old (and probably young) telegraph readers. One of these days there will be some enthusiasm for what some people are trying to do for the town. Does it really matter what images are used? After all, it's only in the earliest of stages. Some positive comments from true Darreners would be more than welcome. It nakes me wonder why anyone bothers to try to put the town on the map, if the tone of some of these letters is anything to go by. I assume they are written by Darreners, in which case, lighten up and see things for what they are - a group of people tryng to achieve some way to put Darwen on the map. If those critics think they can do better, then stand for council as an independent (anyone can do it) and see how "easy" it is to please even some of the people some of the time. In other words, put up or shut up. Critisicm is the easiest option, none of it constructive. For some it seems to be just a means of trying to score cheap political jibes by criticising individuals. Same old same old...
    Posted by: Ex-Darrener on 4:02pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Never mind The Darrener, the LT or even the Tulsa Trumpet, it sounds like this belongs in the Cloud Cuckoo Land Chronicle.
    Posted by: JR on 6:42pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    This is clearly an election stunt by Tony Melia and his mates and should be exposed as such. One of his candidates sits on the Darrener Board and it is clear from the response from Council planners and others that the idea of putting a stadium on a such a site as Robin Bank will never see the light of day once the election is over.

    Why is the Telegraph removing posts that were made earlier today that said this?
    Posted by: amused on 8:09pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    I was curious when I read the story regarding this plan. Today I went along and looked at the site and realised it was just a publicity stunt by Mr Melia, conning folk as usual.

    They would need to flatten Darwen to get a 30000 stadium, never mind hotels and shops. But if they can get all this for 22 million, they are obviously using monopoly money to build a toy model.

    Stop trying to con us, we aint that gullible
    Posted by: Darrener on 8:15pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Its obviously a stunt,
    quote
    Andrew Lightfoot, deputy chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen council said: "We have today received an expression of interest in land at Robin Bank and await firm proposals.
    quote

    They contact the Council the day after the Darrener is published. Or if Mr Melia has been asking questions at Council how come they only knew about it today.

    Typical Tony trying to get his picture in the paper at any cost

    Posted by: BePrepared, darwen on 8:44pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Mmmmmmm, avoid the politics and it could be an interesting proposition..... take the Robin Bank area, clear it down to the A666 and all the shops on the main road (they'll go out of business anyway apart from Bargain Booze, not mine btw), and build a stadium to be the home of not just of Darwen FC but also Darwen CC.

    With the help of the BwD council it could be a real 'goer'. It's a possibility. The football and cricket interests combining..... mmmm, it could be very beneficial to all.
    Posted by: Jack on 9:47pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Between the lines wrote:
    It doesnt matter a jot what pictures have been used, at the end of the day Robin Bank has sat a waste land for decades, no one else has put forward any propositions to devolop the area, and if this does come off then it will be marvelous for Darwen. Admit it LET your upset that you didnt get the story first!!!
    Quite a statement you have made, it is such a shame it is all so badly wrong!
    Last year Darwens Millbrook Developments were dealing with the council over the redevlopment of this land for affordable housing.
    I know for a faxt that councillor johnson produced the actual plans and the letters submitted to the council. He also had all the letters of reply, what makes it worse is there are loads of other offers to develope this land.
    The council refused all of them because they want this land for a community area,they now have the money to develope it with the £2 million given to them by the goverment.

    Sorry but it is true and on record.

    It seems that Darrener is right on the money with his comments.
    Posted by: confused on 9:53pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Why have all the posts been removed stating that Mr Ward and Darwen Football Club owe them money.
    It's common knowledge that lots of people are owed money including ex staff who will state it openly.
    If this is the case the Telegraph must check this out and give us the facts. The Telegraph say they support Darwen, if this is the case it must be their duty to see if this is true for all our sakes.
    Posted by: council on 10:08pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    Same old same old... wrote:
    Same grumpy old (and probably young) telegraph readers. One of these days there will be some enthusiasm for what some people are trying to do for the town. Does it really matter what images are used? After all, it\'s only in the earliest of stages. Some positive comments from true Darreners would be more than welcome. It nakes me wonder why anyone bothers to try to put the town on the map, if the tone of some of these letters is anything to go by. I assume they are written by Darreners, in which case, lighten up and see things for what they are - a group of people tryng to achieve some way to put Darwen on the map. If those critics think they can do better, then stand for council as an independent (anyone can do it) and see how \"easy\" it is to please even some of the people some of the time. In other words, put up or shut up. Critisicm is the easiest option, none of it constructive. For some it seems to be just a means of trying to score cheap political jibes by criticising individuals. Same old same old...
    Not true.
    Missleading.
    Is political.
    This is not a new proposal.
    Tony Melia did not suggest the sit or ask the questions.

    Tory Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "When I saw the picture I thought it was a bit over the top.

    "It's a speculative approach and we are considering other plans for the land.

    "At this time of year, coming up to elections, you have to take everything with a pinch of salt."


    Andrew Lightfoot, deputy chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen council said: "We have today received an expression of interest in land at Robin Bank and await firm proposals.

    "Once we have received more information the council will consider its position."


    These plans have been with the council for over 16 months and meetings have been going on since then.
    Tony Melia was nothing to do with any of them untill he needed it for his elections.
    Talk about abusing your position as a councillor.



    Posted by: gary on 11:09pm Thu 24 Apr 08
    BePrepared wrote:
    Mmmmmmm, avoid the politics and it could be an interesting proposition..... take the Robin Bank area, clear it down to the A666 and all the shops on the main road (they'll go out of business anyway apart from Bargain Booze, not mine btw), and build a stadium to be the home of not just of Darwen FC but also Darwen CC. With the help of the BwD council it could be a real 'goer'. It's a possibility. The football and cricket interests combining..... mmmm, it could be very beneficial to all.
    there is nothing wrong with Birch Hall for the Cricket thanks.
    We will stay put!
    We dont want Ted Ward recking our club.
    Posted by: Gold, Tulsa, OK, USA on 4:27am Fri 25 Apr 08
    Tulsa Golden Hurricane fan here. This article was posted on a fan message board and I must say it gave us a good laugh. Our stadium work is still ongoing -- it won't be ready until a few weeks into the (American) football season. Cheers!

    PS Rice sucks

    PPS Blimey!
    Posted by: nurse, Blackburn on 8:09am Fri 25 Apr 08
    im unhappy with councillor Melia as iv worked hard to become a nurse and now thanks to him, im looking after stuffed toys.
    They have me on the Teddy Ward!
    ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
    Posted by: Grandma, Darwen on 9:40am Fri 25 Apr 08
    What's happened to Ellie Batiste who was reported in the Telegraph of January 2007 (see archive) about the big plans she and Ward had for the Anchor. Like sticking in £3m for starters? Meanwhile, what next for The Darrener, "edited" by Peter Holland, and its plans for the club. A ski slope backed by a picture of Mt. Everest? A landing strip for light planes with a picture of Heathrow? A reception area along the lines of Buckingham Palace? Perhaps a luxury new club and newspaper headquarters with an artist's impression of two battered old Portacabins?
    Posted by: johnny briggs, blackburn on 11:21am Fri 25 Apr 08
    You are all bigger dreamers than the conspicuous Mr Ward by the sounds of some of the comments.
    Posted by: The Giggler, DARWEN on 12:06pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    I am a Darrener through and through and welcome any 'realistic' proposals that would put Darwen firmly on the map. What everyone seems to be talking about is the relationship between Councillor Melia, Ted Ward and Peter Holland. I have just got back from shopping in Darwen and the word on the Street is "they are in each other's pockets" - this ultimately will de-stabalise any proposals that they put forward because, and I am sorry to say, people in Darwen are getting tired of Councillor Melia trying to take over Darwen professionally and personally. Anybody interested should look into 'the Melia Empire' within Darwen. Saying that I am all for developing the land for the townsfolk of Darwen - as long as there are no more take-aways!
    Posted by: s on 1:37pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    ALL HAVE A LOOK AT THE OTHER POSTS ON THE LANC TELEGRAPH WEBSITE. WE ARE ALL GOING TO TURN UP ON SUNDAY AT THE DARWEN FC GROUND TO SEE IF WE CAN GET PAID OFF WARD
    Posted by: Go Darwen!, Darwen on 3:28pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    I agree Giggler! One more stupid take-away and i will scream!! Darwen could become a really good town to live in with all this shiny new stuff being built/proposed but there is nothing that will bring down the tone of the town - any town more than row upon row of zero or 1 star takeaways (as defined by the food standards scores)Get rid of them, theyre always going out of business anyway!
    Posted by: JesseTU, Tulsa, OK, USA on 4:19pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Hello from TULSA.

    I'm not even sure the guy CAN use the image, seeing how the University paid millions to have it designed and rendered. Not that I care, just seems a little off. But I'm glad to see politicians are a little off everywhere else too.

    For those that care (none), here is what we are going to our stadium:
    http://tulsahurrican
    e.cstv.com/facilitie
    s/tuls-chapman-renov
    ation.html

    Home to the #1 offense in college (American) football. Probably average more points per game than most football (soccer) clubs do in a year.

    I think our soccer stadium seats around the 5,000 mark, if you're politicians is interest in pictures of that. Unless, of course, he can get the larger stadium for the advertised price. ;-)
    Posted by: Bill, Tulsa, OK, USA on 4:38pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Actually, as a University of Tulsa fan, I'm flattered that someone would use our artists' rendering in a positive manner!

    The stadium is in a rather art-deco fashion, and could be altered to fit any arena sport. It is class and classic.

    I'm surely not intending to interfere with Australian politics ... just a "vote of confidence" in the design!

    Good luck on what decision you folks make on how to utilize the land.

    Australia and Aussies have more respect in America than you realize! Most Americans love Australia!!

    Bill
    Posted by: Ian the Beancounter, Darwen on 4:56pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Bill wrote:
    Actually, as a University of Tulsa fan, I'm flattered that someone would use our artists' rendering in a positive manner! The stadium is in a rather art-deco fashion, and could be altered to fit any arena sport. It is class and classic. I'm surely not intending to interfere with Australian politics ... just a "vote of confidence" in the design! Good luck on what decision you folks make on how to utilize the land. Australia and Aussies have more respect in America than you realize! Most Americans love Australia!! Bill
    This IS a wind-up, right? Mind you, wouldn't put it past a Yank not to know the difference between the UK and Australia. I mean, we're only on opposite sides of the planet!
    Posted by: George Bush's Drug Dealer, Dallas, TX on 5:08pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Rice really really sucks.

    Were gonna smike der balls into submission.

    Posted by: JH, Darwen on 7:08pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Any chance of making this like the Reebok at Bolton.
    Posted by: y on 8:27pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    batiste is still around she is still mouthing off about we are going to do this we are going to do that another one still of BS. I bet she is nowhere to be seen aswell if people turn up wanting money on Sunday. The only 2 people that will be there I think will be the 2 bouncers
    Posted by: R.Soles, Darwen on 9:56pm Fri 25 Apr 08
    Well they can build whatever the hell they want too BUT im sure that the land used to be the old gasworks and therefore the land will be well contaminated??.So who foots the bill for the clean up??
    yep,you guessed it!,it will be down to us working suckers!

    best
    RS
    Posted by: barneyboy on 7:11am Sat 26 Apr 08
    r soles is right did the council not spend £1.5 million treating and containing this contaminated land. On a lighter note what I hear of their financies I hope they do not go ROBIN BANKS to pay for the development. What some do to try and cling on to power.
    Posted by: Unconvinced, Darwen on 8:23am Sun 27 Apr 08
    How much do you want to bet that, a few weeks after the election, Ted Ward Tony Melia and The Darrener announce that the plans cannot go ahead for some unforseen reason?
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 11:21am Sun 27 Apr 08
    Unconvinced wrote:
    How much do you want to bet that, a few weeks after the election, Ted Ward Tony Melia and The Darrener announce that the plans cannot go ahead for some unforseen reason?
    Presumably, it will be blamed on some of the other parties pulling out - either the FA or the consortum of betting shops which are supposedly lined up to invest!
    Posted by: y on 12:09pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    MESSAGE TO THE LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH. WHY ARE YOU STILL REMOVING COMMENTS THAT ARE TRUE ABOUT MR WARD ????????
    ARE YOU ONLY INTERESTED IN INTERVIEW HIM TO BE LIED TOO ??????????
    Posted by: whats up duck, darwen on 12:24pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    Did anybody go down to the anchor to get thier cash today?
    Keep me informed its better than Corrie!
    Ward apparently tried to get sponsorship from a local car salesman, he wanted a car for himself and his manager.
    He must need to update his old Jag!
    He should give Greenwoods a shout so he can update his old flashers mack!
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 12:32pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    whats up duck wrote:
    Did anybody go down to the anchor to get thier cash today? Keep me informed its better than Corrie! Ward apparently tried to get sponsorship from a local car salesman, he wanted a car for himself and his manager. He must need to update his old Jag! He should give Greenwoods a shout so he can update his old flashers mack!
    Did anybody go down to the anchor to get thier cash today? The Rugby kicks off at 3:00.!
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 12:37pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    whats up duck wrote:
    Did anybody go down to the anchor to get thier cash today? Keep me informed its better than Corrie! Ward apparently tried to get sponsorship from a local car salesman, he wanted a car for himself and his manager. He must need to update his old Jag! He should give Greenwoods a shout so he can update his old flashers mack!
    Perhaps he should approach Debtfree Direct for sponsorship!
    Posted by: LET playing games on 2:33pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    Once again the LET have removed posts.
    Get down for your money at 3pm today!
    Teddy boy get your wallet out!!
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 4:14pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    Ward apparently tried to get sponsorship from a local car salesman, he wanted a car for himself and his manager

    On second thoughts, perhaps he should ask Christopehr Rodgers Ltd (Architects & Surveyors) to sponsor him.
    Posted by: johnny briggs, blackburn on 4:22pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    The mear fact that Mr Ward has 2 minders suggests to me that somebody is probably after him, (probably for a large cheque that has bounced). The man just can not be trusted. The fact that he won't speak to the telegraph about these fraudulent plans sums him up. Kick him out of Darwen asap if you ask me.
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 4:28pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    (probably for a large cheque that has bounced).
    More than one, me old son!!
    Posted by: f on 6:00pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    Cynical, you either know him or have done your homework you are spot on about Ward. Hope the people that said they were going to collect their money today went to the ground - bet he wasnt there - no show when there is trouble for him - just leaves the minders to do his dirty work.
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 6:58pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    f wrote:
    Cynical, you either know him or have done your homework you are spot on about Ward. Hope the people that said they were going to collect their money today went to the ground - bet he wasnt there - no show when there is trouble for him - just leaves the minders to do his dirty work.
    f, I don't know him personally, but someone I know has been ripped off by him. I do, however, know his type! It doesn't take too much research, with the wonders of the internet, to trawl through a few public records and put that together with all the information you can pick up by talking to people in the town, to understand what he has attempted in the past, what he is trying to attempt now, and how readily his plans are doomed to failure (along with any local businesses who fall for his stories). Be warned, Darreners, this man is a menace.
    Posted by: f on 7:18pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    Cynical, you will be glad you dont know him, wish I had never met him, hope the person you know wasnt ripped off too much by Ward I know a lot of people have been. Hope Kevin Hendry see's these posts and does something about his club before it is too late - ward does not own the club be sure of that - LT dont remove this comment because this is a FACT.
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 7:40pm Sun 27 Apr 08
    f - AND ANYONE ELSE WHO KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT MR WARD, we have all seen and read the many stories on here, including those which were removed by the LT, just as some of these will be tomorrow. Therefore may I invite anyone with information regarding him, or who is owed money by him, to contact me CONFIDENTIALLY (you don't need to leave your name and/or address, unless you want to) at the following temporary email address:

    cynical@live.co.uk

    By so doing, we may gather enough information to find out the true story!
    Posted by: johnny briggs, blackburn on 5:04pm Mon 28 Apr 08
    Again, as a friend of the players at Darwen FC. Did you know that i have spoken to a few of them today and Mr Ward gave them all a post dated cheque last month which cannot be put into their accounts until the end of this month. Suprise suprise. The last game of the season is on 03/05/08 which is a Saturday (which means the cheques go in on thurs/friday 02/05/08. This will mean that the cheques wont (and i mean WONT) clear until Wednesday 07/05/08. Unfortunately for all these lads, i feel that each cheque will in turn bounce, and the players will not be able to reach Mr Ward as the ground will be closed and the season over. Which draws me to believe that if he is still chairman next season then DARWEN FC will have no players at all because who is gonna play for someone that lies and lies and lies about money, ground plans and his own past.... the list goes on.
    Posted by: f on 9:33pm Mon 28 Apr 08
    I think the players will be lucky if they ever get their money, I didnt. He is no millionaire and thats a FACT. He will keep up the stories until he gets kicked out. Players dont believe his lies anymore take action now and leave. Take a look into what he has really done in his past it will make your hair curl
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 10:22pm Mon 28 Apr 08
    f wrote:
    I think the players will be lucky if they ever get their money, I didnt. He is no millionaire and thats a FACT. He will keep up the stories until he gets kicked out. Players dont believe his lies anymore take action now and leave. Take a look into what he has really done in his past it will make your hair curl
    No millionaire I know would have a charge registered against his house for unpaid debts!!
    Posted by: Darwen Player, Local on 11:12pm Mon 28 Apr 08
    Ted has given us all cheques and many of the lads are not happy with it.
    Iv heard that we can put the cheques in now that you cant post date them?
    Ted talks a lot of c rap and even tried to get lads on long term contracts.
    Thats why Jay Jones left because he wasnt gettin cash and he was on a good number!
    Posted by: f on 12:34pm Tue 29 Apr 08
    The cheques will probably bounce when ever you put them in your accounts. Any cheque I have ever banked that came from Ward bounced higher than a bouncy ball !!!!!!!!!! Ask him for cash, but check that it is not still wet.
    Posted by: Fellow player, Near on 8:45am Wed 30 Apr 08
    Reading these posts Mr Ward comes across like a pretty unsavory character but I cant help but laugh when current and past players are on here complaining about payment or lack there of. Lets be straight most of the players kicking up a stink are the ones that chase the little money there is at clubs this size. News flash, non payment of players and staff isn’t confined to darwen football club but numerous clubs, one of which is a local div one side. If you follow tales of riches and wealth to an nwc div 2 side and then get your fingers burnt more fool you.
    Posted by: Long Time Fan on 9:05am Wed 30 Apr 08
    I have followed Darwen for over 20 years and i have seen them come and i have seen them go. I like many other was in awe of Ted when he came to the club and i like many other thought we for the first time since Ian Mgarrys sister had some one who really wanted to take the club forward. Ians sister fought tooth and nail for Darwen Fc but it was too much for her week in and week out, since she left we have had no one who could do what she did.
    When Ted came allong we all thought things looked fantastic, new blood in the team and new fans at the club. I was a full on supporter of Ted and i backed him to the hilt against my friends. But i must now say i was wrong, it p****s me off that i was taken in by him and went against the advise of the lads who all said lets wait and see where he is comming from. These guys are, Phill Ottley, Arty, Max, Mick Johnson,Steve Mullen, Patty, Mat Atkinson and nearly all the old boys who have played for the club. To these boys i must say i am sorry that i doubted them but the guy is verry convinsing, i now know it has nothing to do with the club it is just another deal for him with the ground as a site for development being the honey pot.
    When you have the likes of Patty and Mat offering to step in for nothing with back up from mull and the other old school boys to get players into the club when the team left on mass, it shows you what Darwen means to the people of the town.
    Ted did not want to know! this was the last straw for me and my eyes opened like bat wing doors. I for one will not support the club moving from the Anchor with Ted because i now know it will be the end of Darwen as a team because he will sell the lot and be off with the profit quicker than i can say I.O.U
    Posted by: johnny briggs, blackburn on 4:09pm Wed 30 Apr 08
    Sounds to me like the "fellow player's" comments is probably from someone who is a former player who can't play at a decent level no more so he has to have a dig at the current team players. If he was in their position he would know what they are moaning about. It doesn't matter what level you play at, if a chairman stops paying ANY money, the better players at a club leave immediately, followed by the next best players and so forth until there is nobody left. And the next thing you will have is a bunch of lads from "ALDI" playing at Darwen FC who just can't compete cos they are not good enough. (New Mills are the perfect example of "Decent wages = good players = promotion"
    Point proven
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 5:09pm Wed 30 Apr 08
    Johnny, at least he had the sense to realise that
    Mr Ward comes across like a pretty unsavory character
    . Give him some credit for that moment of clarity!
    Posted by: f on 11:45pm Wed 30 Apr 08
    Anyone know why the Darwen FC website hasnt been updated since the 10th April? Have they not been paid either? Did anyone go for their money on Sunday? Unfortunately I was ill so couldnt make it but I am interested to know if anyone got what was owed too them.
    Posted by: Long Time Fan on 10:22am Thu 1 May 08
    Will we have a team next season or will we have a building site for a ground????
    Posted by: barry on 7:40pm Thu 1 May 08
    Lancashire Telegraph - are you going to re interview Ted Ward about his past and present business dealings I think this man needs to be accountable for his actions he has left a lot of people out of pocket. He doesnt seem to be this millionaire he make himself out to be - can we get the truth from you Lancashire Telegraph instead of the stories Ted Ward tells us.
    Posted by: Ben, Darwen on 7:13pm Sun 4 May 08
    5,000 seats when they struggle to attract 50 as it is!?!?!?
    Posted by: johnny briggs, blackburn on 1:10pm Tue 6 May 08
    Patience Ben. We need a new chairman first. If Dennis can get five or six new players for next year (all a decent standard) then i think Darwen will have a chance to go up. It is true what he said, they are not a million miles away now. And as for the fans..... if the team are successful then more people will come to watch. At the moment i dont think anyone comes cos they don't want to line Ted Ward's pockets. I have heard that Dennis already has five players lined up who were playing higher last season. Question is.... Will they get paid?? Cos if they dont they won't stay for long...it's that simple.
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 3:58pm Thu 8 May 08
    Did any of the players' post-dated cheques go through???
    Posted by: current player, blackburn on 9:00am Fri 9 May 08
    As a current player at Darwen FC i will not be going back to Darwen FC to play next season. My cheque has bounced that i was given by Ted Ward. I can tell you now that the man is a complete liar. Everything that comes out of his mouth is complete nonsense. He even owes some of the players monies dating back to November. I am talking about players going in to see Mr Ward week after week having to ASK for money that is owed to them, only to keep getting palmed off with the same excuse (i will pay you next month... what a load of bull). These lads are turning up every week as well as myself, travelling to places like Stoke and Manchester on a Saturday, using our own cars and petrol and for what?? He is having a laugh if he thinks he will be building a new stadium. And i warn any future players that are offered empty promises by Mr Ward to turn their backs at the first attempt. The man is simply a scam artist. The truth is that Ted Ward only got Dennis Hill in as manager so that he could get some new lads to play until the end of the season as the club (Ted Ward)would have been fined. Now that the season is over Mr Ward is just releived to not have to pay this fine. What a joke!!!!
    Posted by: current player, blackburn on 1:15pm Fri 9 May 08
    I have spoken to other players from the squad this morning and suprise, suprise, everyones cheques have bounced higher than the moon. And what does he say to everyone as ever "RING FRAN!!!". This is a call to all other players to get together (including the manager)!!!. Let's talk to the "Telegraph" together and reveal what a joke this so called "chairman" really is. I feel sorry for the fans that have been watching for years, that THIER club is being run by the likes of Ted Ward. I feel that if we humiliate him then he may walk and will give some clarity back to the club.
    Posted by: ex-player, now playing for a club that pays when they say they'll pay on 2:33pm Fri 9 May 08
    I also had lots of cheques bounce off the joker. It must cost him a fortune in bank charges or are the cheques in the name of Darwen FC cos if they are then the club will go under. Also why isn't the bank seein that he is a fraudster??
    Posted by: Cynical, Darwen on 4:08pm Fri 9 May 08
    current player wrote:
    I have spoken to other players from the squad this morning and suprise, suprise, everyones cheques have bounced higher than the moon. And what does he say to everyone as ever "RING FRAN!!!". This is a call to all other players to get together (including the manager)!!!. Let's talk to the "Telegraph" together and reveal what a joke this so called "chairman" really is. I feel sorry for the fans that have been watching for years, that THIER club is being run by the likes of Ted Ward. I feel that if we humiliate him then he may walk and will give some clarity back to the club.
    There is no doubt whatsoever that this man should be investigated by the LT. We already know quite a bit about his recent dealings, his failure to pay suppliers, the fact that he has a charge registered on his house for unpaid debts, but unusually, for someone trying to be high profile, nothing is known of his past. Even "Googling" his name gives no hits, apart from references to LT articles when he first came to Darwen.

    So come on, LT! Investigate this man. I'll gladly give you all the information I have. All you need to do is contact me on my registered email address, or my temporary one: cynical@live.co.uk. That goes for anyone else who wants to pool information.
    Posted by: f on 4:20pm Fri 9 May 08
    I am sorry to say that it comes as no suprise to me that the cheques have bounced he is very well known for it. The man is a complete con and thats a FACT. I was taken in by his lies and as I have said before he owes me money too and I have been waiting over a year. Get the man out of your club surely someone must know Kevin Hendrys telephone number he needs to be told whats what and come back and rescue his club before there is nothing left. Ward does not owe the club so dont be fooled into thinking he does.
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