Scunthorpe United FC have agreed a takeover deal with former commercial director Michelle Harness. It brings to an end to a turbulent nine months of David Hilton’s tenure in charge, with the group purchasing his controlling shares in the National League North club.
The Nottingham businessman had replaced Swann in January but amid an FA investigation, a club statement last week confirmed that he had withdrawn his funding and was actively trying to sell the club.
The Iron had been set to move to Gainsborough Trinity, 17 miles away, after the Brackley Town game on Saturday but it’s now thought they are close to agreeing a deal to stay at Glanford Park.
A statement from the club read: “A current Director of the club, and former Commercial Manager of over 15 years at the Iron, Michelle has acquired the club from the outgoing David Hilton.
Following a busy few days of negotiations and putting plans in place, Michelle is delighted to be taking on the football club, saying: “I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the transaction, especially David Hilton.
“There are a lot of challenges and problems to overcome, but David has taken no fee for the club, and wiped all monies that he personally invested to enable this deal to happen. I wish him and his family all the best for the future, and I hope he finds some peace away from football.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of Simon Elliott, who has massively assisted in getting this deal over the line. There is now a lot of work to do behind the scenes to get our great football club back on track, and that work starts immediately with the fantastic team we have working for us, starting with the appointment of a new board.”
The Iron are still facing two winding-up petitions including one from HRMC while there are several CCJs against the club along with several debts to pay to former players.
Two fan podcasts, Iron Bru and the Iron Hour teamed up to run a fundraiser to pay the club’s staff and managed to raise more than £65,000 while a unity march has been planned for Saturday ahead of the Brackley match.
The council has confirmed to the Telegraph that they are willing to help the new investors and it’s thought that they will speak to Peter Swann about a long-term deal for the ground.
Original story at https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/
