John Howard (UK businessman)

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John Howard is a British businessman/entrepreneur who plays a significant role in many companies in East Anglia, including being a former member of the board of directors of Cambridge United F.C..

1 Controversy
2 Notes
3 See also

[edit] Controversy

John Howard has attracted controversy through one of his businesses, Bideawhile 445 Ltd, which was used as a vehicle to purchase the Abbey Stadium from Cambridge United for GBP 1.9 million in order to lease it back to the club in December 2003 for an estimated annual rent of GBP 200,000. Although at the time the sale itself was unopposed as, although not welcomed, fans realised it was the only way to keep the financially challenged club afloat, Bideawhile's subsequent dealings have been questioned. This has principally been due to Howard's refusal to sell the ground back to Cambridge United, despite then United director Dr. Johnny Hon offering the club the money to buy back the ground at a price of GBP 2.2 million (a significant profit for Howard on a four month investment) in April 2004.

Howard's reasoning for the refusal to sell was that "we...do not believe it is in the best interests of CUFC or Bideawhile to enter into negotiations to sell the ground at this present time"^[1]. This was met with fierce opposition from fellow directors and fans alike. Dr. Hon himself stated that "I'm extremely disappointed that John Howard has decided not to accept the offer of £2.2 million that I made last week, especially because I understand he had told Roger Hunt and the Board that his heart and loyalty was with the Club"^[2] while U's majority shareholder Paul Barry stated that "I am very disappointed that John has turned down the offer for the Club to control its own destiny with its freehold"^[3].

The fans' reaction to Howard's refusal to sell the ground has been, and continues to be, negative^[4]. Chants of "We want our stadium back" were regularly heard at home and away fixtures while a protest was organised through Cambridge town centre to highlight the club's plight prior to the final game of the 2004/05 season against Notts County by Cambridge Fans United. Growing pressure on John Howard from the fans led him to issue a statement that he would not be attending this fixture as it would be "in the best interests of the Club if I am not present on this occasion"^[5]. This led to questioning on the Club's message boards and in the local media of Howard's true commitment as a fan, and the irony of his reasoning (the "best interests" of the club) did not go unnoticed, as it was widely felt that this was what he was not serving by refusing to sell the Abbey Stadium back to the Club.

In December of 2005 a supporter of Cambridge United made a 16 foot banner with the words: SELL IT BACK in protest of John Howard’s ownership of the Abbey Stadium. On January 7th 2006 the banner was signed by over 800 fans before a home match.

On the 1st of April a Cambridge United fan placed John Howard’s back garden on eBay. John Howard’s house was pictured along with a satellite view of his land. The auction was setup in protest of Howard refusing to sell back the stadium to the club.

Cambridge United rejoiced on the evening of Tuesday August 1st when it was announced that John Howard had been forced to resign from the board of directors. Everyone involved with club recognises this as a huge step forward for the club.^[6]