Common Group’s Coley Parry slams Vitesse director Edwin Reijntjes and proposes salary cut

Coley Parry of the Common Group has lashed out at Edwin Reijntjes in an extensive statement. The general manager of Vitesse has asked for a postponement regarding the outstanding million-dollar debt four times now, and that has been poorly received by the American creditor.

As described by Voetbal International, Vitesse have been trying to sever ties with Parry for some time now, but every attempt has been unsuccessful. Recently, intended owner Guus Franke pulled the plug on an impending takeover, because the American put a stop to the agreement.

Both parties agreed on the 1st of July, just before the KNVB deadline expired, that Franke would take over Vitesse’s millions in debt to Parry as soon as the KNVB had approved the takeover.

However, the deal fell through, and Vitesse contiue to look for a solution to keep its head above water. The statement from the Common Group shows that Reijntjes asked Parry for a deferment of payment last Friday – much to the dissatisfaction of the American.

Parry stated that Reijntjes ‘cannot keep asking others to clean up his mess’ and also claimed that the director of Vitesse has, in his eyes, failed since he took over the helm in April.

In his statement, Parry went on to hold the general manager responsible for the failed WHOA procedure (which, according to the American, cost millions), the failure to draw up a balanced budget (which initially led to the withdrawal of the license), the failed takeover by Guus Franke and the missed deadlines to submit annual accounts signed by the accountant to the KNVB.

While the American is frustrated, he has still shown that he is prepared to postpone the debt deadline once again, provided that Reijntjes and the Vitesse board show that they are of good will. In order to do that, Reijntjes would have to forgo a bonus of 75 thousand euros and hand in twenty percent of his salary, as a stinging remark reads:

“After all, many people involved have already sacrificed something for Vitesse, while Edwin is still being paid handsomely for a job that he does not do well.”

Parry continued in his Common Group statement by claiming that Reijntjes recently dismissed several employees because Vitesse could no longer pay their salaries. According to Parry, the director is holding the club hostage with his ‘lack of urgency’. This suggestion was also made to Reijntjes by email on the 9th of November, but Common Group are reportedly still awaiting a response: “Apparently he prefers to smear Common in the media rather than solve problems for the club.”

In addition to the salary cut, Parry wants a task force to be set up with representatives from the Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem foundation (with sponsors who have raised money to be able to play this season), the advisory board, and the supporters’ association. He also wants to agree on a confidentiality agreement with Vitesse and meet at least twice a week.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield