Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy accepts defeat in bid to purchase the Shay
Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy has withdrawn his interest in purchasing The Shay Stadium after concluding his involvement was not universally welcomed within Calderdale.
Davy had emerged as the leading contender to buy the stadium following Calderdale Council's decision to dispose of the venue, which is home to both FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers.
The proposed takeover, however, sparked opposition from campaigners determined to keep the Shay under community control.
In a statement released on Monday, Davy expressed his disappointment at the outcome.
"Today, 1 June 2026, I have informed Calderdale Council that I will not be progressing my interest in purchasing The Shay Stadium, Halifax," he said.
"From the very beginning, I made it absolutely clear to the council, the football and rugby clubs and indeed, the various supporters groups I have met, that I would only continue my interest in The Shay Stadium, and sport in Halifax in general, if my input and involvement was welcome. Unfortunately, in the respect of a small minority, it is abundantly clear that this is not the case.
"This outcome is obviously disappointing. I am, however, especially disappointed for the wider sporting community of Calderdale as I had hoped to develop the Shay into a truly multisport centre for the community of Calderdale as a whole rather than just the around six per cent who currently use it to attend rugby or football matches.
"The Shay does at least now have the benefit of a new state-of-the-art pitch, which the football and rugby clubs and the council assure me would not have happened without my involvement, and I wish everyone in Calderdale every success in the future."
Huddersfield are due to leave the Accu Stadium at the end of this season come what may.
Davy revealed the Giants could still consider the venue as a temporary home while their search for a permanent base continues.
"In respect of the Giants, my withdrawal changes very little," he added.
"I suspect the Shay would probably still be a rental option for us, given its need for income, and that goes for a number of other sites in and around our area.
"In addition, our challenge to Kirklees Council remains in that we need a permanent site to secure our long-term future."