I would love to hear Simon Gilbert's take on this. CCFC/SISU have changed what they are claiming for. IF it gets to trial in May, they will be allowed to submit the documents/valuations that they have. But the judges can at that point say NO. I suspect they will not allow post transaction valuations to be submitted.
They have been allowed to change the basis of their case at this late stage, but the judges in May can say NO (case law suggests that this is what will happen).
To me, what CCFC/SISU have finally admitted is that they know they are unlikely to get any compensation, and thus the case appears pointless. But it isn't. It is damned annoying for both Wasps and the Council.
The judges today got this. They skirted the legal cases and kicked that into the long grass (next May), and got to the nub of what CCFC/SISU want. They want land for next to free, they want a stadium for next to free, they want the City Council on board and behind it (whilst admitting that they had no idea who the Sky Blues were).
The judges have forced the parties to sit around a table to discuss it all, at mediation, and soon. The idea being that CCFC/SISU drop their case. That is because today's judges know it will end in the Supreme Court (probably in 2020) and CCFC/SISU will lose, and they will start again.
As a city of people, Coventry wants CCFC to have a stadium and play in Coventry. CCFC/SISU want their own stadium. Renting (from Wasps or Coventry RFC) is not viable. And I doubt Wasps will want any further deal with them. But CCFC are on the ropes. They have nowhere to play next season. So mediation, if the right outcome is achieved (and CCFC/SISU drop the case) is a good thing, as both Wasps and Cov RFC might well do a short term rent deal then
The Ricoh is way too big for CCFC now. A decent pitch with a single all seat stand would be a much better proposal, with agreement on expansion if they ever get promoted.
The Council say they cannot consider any form of financial assistance. But they own plenty of land that could be used, and could be sold at a knock down price before it gets planning permission, and then with planning permission ... Better than all this hassle.
Wasps can help by giving them a temporary extension to the rent deal, and so on. Arms can be twisted at the FA and Sport England for money .... strange how things get done.