We did, but if you knew we'd get a franchise, then I can guarantee we'd take the chance, because the club knows that actually, with an Essex based team, they can probably fill the ECG for another 8 games.
I think that we voted against because we were unlikely to be considered and that we'd lose players elsewhere for the duration. The "for the good of the game" stance was a very good cover!
The bigger issue though, is that you have to purchase the franchise....and I don't see us going overdrawn to do that....