That's a very emotive question
It wasn't a condition but it formed a large part of the discussion and sure it would have been a significant factor in any agreement. Personally I also don't see it as a land grab, land was available, he took it. The council (or anyone else) could have also taken it if they were quicker.
Regardless of my opinions over how it happened, I do think it made any discussions more difficult and would have affected the relationship between the club and council.