SPIREITES SALE PUT ON HOLD
Fans’ takeover hits snag
CHESTERFIELD owner Dave Allen still wants the fans to take ownership of the club despite a takeover stalling, while the club revealed losses of more than £1.8 million this week.
The Chesterfield Community Trust entered into a period of exclusivity with Allen at the end of December to thrash out a deal, but one of the group’s funders has pulled out, leaving them currently unable to complete the transaction.
The exclusivity agreement has been legally removed and other parties are now able to negotiate with Allen, who is continuing to put in £150,000 a month to keep the club going, although this month it will be £200,000.
The Spireites’ latest accounts revealed losses for the trading year up to June 30, 2019 of £1,845,209, compared to a loss of £1,061,270 the previous year.
Turnover was down by £1,927,237 on the previous year. However, this figure also included £1,058,052 in player transfer fees in 2017/18.
The loans owed to Allen at the year-end totalled £9,329,000, compared to £7,094,000 at the previous year end.
“Dave Allen and I remain committed to wanting the fans to take ownership of the club,” company secretary Ashley Carson said. “Every month that goes by means that Dave needs to inject a minimum of £150,000 into the club. This month it will be over £200,000.
“I am still working closely with the Community Trust and remain hopeful that a deal can be concluded with them, but I am now also talking to other potential purchasers again – including the supporters’ consortium – and we will sell the club to whoever is first over the line with the necessary funds to buy it.”