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Steve Diamond pulls out of TV appearance: 'I've spoken to my lawyers'
By Ian Cameron
Former Worcester Warriors head coach Steve Diamond has pulled out of an appearance on BT Sport's Rugby Tonight after it was revealed that his consortium is not the preferred bidder to buy Worcester Warriors.
Worcester collapsed into administration and were partially liquidated this month with HM Customs and Revenue pursuing unpaid tax in the region of £6 million. They are currently suspended from the Premiership and face relegation at the end of the season.
Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited - a consortium led by James Sandford and former owner Jim O'Toole - have been named as the preferred bidders by the administrators Begbies Traynor.
They in effect have beaten Diamond's own project to take over the club. Diamond's "Sixways Village" bid would have seen the former head coach backed by long-time friend Mike Blood and ex-Leicester CEO Simon Cohen.
Diamond was due on BT Rugby Tonight with Craig Doyle, Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Lawrence Dallaglio, but pulled out as the news broke. According to Doyle, Diamond told BT Sport that: "The word from Steve Diamond who we spoke to a short time ago was: 'I've spoken to my lawyers. I've heard nothing.' "
Whoever ultimately takes over, it's positive news and a step closer to Worcester returning to competitive rugby next season.
News broke earlier this evening on the BBC of the preference for the O'Toole-Sandford lead deal, which is apparently partially backed by American money.
Administrator Julie Palmer said on regional radio station BBC Hereford & Worcester that: "They have committed to the transaction financially by putting a sizeable deposit down for the preferred-bidder status. That's very important as we still have tight timelines to work with, with the RFU and PRL, in terms of them understanding the shape of the league for next season.
"And what we didn't want to do was to waste time in discussions with someone who didn't proceed. So that preferred-bidder deposit is a real key aspect of them showing that they are committed to this and that they do intend to follow the whole acquisition through."
The group say on their new website that: "Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited was formed specifically as a vehicle to support the owner’s aspiration and willingness to provide a financial rescue package to, and acquire control of Worcester Warriors, the English Premiership Rugby Club."
additional reporting PA
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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