Pies, seats and administration - Grist

So the news is good, "we're keeping Pukka Pies". This looks like one of the more positive announcements from the club in recent weeks.

But is it good news, or is there a hint of desperation about the announcement?

Like most things in life the minor symptoms mask a more serious problem and so does this "Pukkagate" scandal. On the face of things it looks minor but dig deep enough and it certainly isn't.

Pukka Pies have been successfully sold down at Millmoor for years, some will say they are the
only good thing about Millmoor. So why change this good track record? If it's not broke don't fix it.

The answer lies in cash flow or the lack of it. RUFC is short of cash and money needs to be raised quickly. So out go the enquiries about who can do the catering for the new stand. A well-known catering firm replies (ask who supplies the catering at Oakwell and you will guess who it is) and they promise cash royalties up front if they get the contract now. This looks a good plan for the club until it comes out in the detail that this catering company doesn't sell Pukka Pies, but provides those insipid ones they sell at Oakwell. Add to this a price increase of approx 50p per pie and then you've got a fan problem. RUFC get a quick, but small cash injection, but the fan pays more for a product he finds inferior.

Cue a change of mind by the club when the accountant "finds" some cash to get over the crisis and new supplier isn't needed until after the new stand is built. Hallelujah, the Pukkas are saved, but wait, the accountant changes the plot again and we do need the new supplier and his cash now after all.

So what does the club do?

The answers easy really, it takes on the new caterer on the basis that they supply Pukka Pies, and everybody is happy. Or at least they will be until the price rises at the catering bars are announced.

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