Club’s off the field issues continue

MACCLESFIELD Town’s behind the scenes problems continue to occur after a potential takeover of the club was understood to have stalled.

Local businessman Joe Sealey, son of former Manchester United goalkeeper Les, has shown a keen interest in purchasing the club, potentially rescuing them from their financial difficulties.

The proposed takeover has hit a snag though, with the stall coming amid a dispute over the provision of proof of funds between Sealey and Silkmen owner Amar Alkadhi.

The club currently have a winding-up petition over a £180,000 unpaid tax debt, which last Wednesday was adjourned for a seventh time.

Macclesfield bosses have told the High Court that the outstanding debt had been paid, but HM Revenue & Customs said the payment had not cleared, with Judge Sally Barber saying the case would be reconsidered on 4 December.

The adjournment came after Macc players once again threatened to strike for a second time in a week due to unpaid wages, leading to the club receiving a charge of misconduct by the EFL.

First team players refused to train or play in the build up to their FA Cup first round clash at home to seventh-tier side Kingstonian earlier this month, with Kingstonian condemning the Silkmen to a 4-0 defeat.

The players were also then advised not to train before their EFL Trophy tie away from home against Shrewsbury last week because of concerns over health insurance, but the club went on to pay the premiums and the players featured in the match.