Stockport County’s administrators have confirmed the latest bid to buy the cash-strapped club has been rejected by the Football League.
Leonard Curtis confirmed the League refused to approve a bid submitted by the Melrose Consortium – led by former Manchester City striker Jim Melrose - after a meeting of the league’s board of directors held on Thursday.
The administrators also urged any other interested parties to come forward as soon as possible.
"We are disappointed to report that we have received confirmation via our solicitors that the Football League is presently unable to recommend the transfer of the Stockport County share to the prospective purchaser, the Melrose Consortium,” read a statement issued by Leonard Curtis.
“We understand that certain items of required information are still outstanding. We remain hopeful that the Melrose Consortium can still progress their interest and we will continue to provide information and support to them.
“However, we will also continue to actively seek interest from other parties and would emphasise that any such parties should notify us of their interest as quickly as possible in order to ensure the club's future.
"The administrators would like to thank the players, staff, supporters and sponsors for their patience and efforts in these difficult times for the club.
"The administrators have made every effort to secure a sale but the current economic climate combined with the requirements of the Football League membership criteria have made this process extremely difficult.
“However, the administrators would like to assure everyone associated with the club that everything is being done to try and attract new investors and would like to use this opportunity to encourage offers for the club."
What do you think? Have your say.
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Todd, heywood (12/02/2010 at 14:44)
dave moran, Jersey (12/02/2010 at 17:37)
It's just typical that you can never find a suicide bomber when you want one. Bad joke!... yes I agree but its just how low I feel right now.
The fixture list could run like this next season: Woodley Sports v County both playing at home.
Get your finger out Councillor Goddard. Your time is up!
BRINKSWAY BOY
Matty C, Stockport (12/02/2010 at 17:56)
fowler, wythenshawe (12/02/2010 at 19:18)
Themandownunder, South Australia (12/02/2010 at 23:40)
Not sure if it was the right bid as I dont have the full facts downunder
Losing a club of this heritage and stature is a disgrace
The people of stockport should all hang their heads in shame - they vote the councilors in - and have a right to demand action to be taken to stop the club going out of the league.
Too much apathy - someone else will do it - it wont happen attitude - I dont care I support City anyway - Dont you realsie whats been lost. Its clubs like this in the lower league that support the higher echolons
Stockport Council should financially support the club until a buyer is found. Once we are out we would never get back in
This should be front page news in the stockport express, highlighting the consequences of what might happen
Kick up the r s is whats needed folks
Phil B^), Stockport (13/02/2010 at 06:46)
A sad state of affairs but at least by letting go of the past and making a fresh start then there is a chance to rise phoenix-like from the ashes and once more have a future.
Forever blue - Stockport County royal blue
Andy Banks (13/02/2010 at 09:48)
noel higginbottom (13/02/2010 at 19:52)
If it is finance we could arrange collections etc???
But your silence is Total counter productive and disgraceful and gutless!!!!
Noel
bluephil, Stoke-on-Trent (13/02/2010 at 20:46)
John Hewie (15/02/2010 at 09:08)
Charlton Athletic were nearly put out of existence and shared grounds with Palace, Wimbledon and West Ham whilst weeds grew on the centre circle at the Valley.
Fans encouraged the local community to vote for councillors who appreciated that a football club is an intrinsic part of the area – and of benefit to both commercial business and the development of good relations as well as nurturing talent within the community.
Of course there are many calls on ratepayers money, but there are also some sound reasons to get more involved with the running of a club.
The input does not have to be financial – there is a wealth of business management skills within the town hall. Part of the problem at County seems to have been the lack of business acumen and negotiating skills in the past.
If you are as passionate as the fans at Charlton (and reading these posts this is patently obvious), you should direct your efforts into organising a campaign to elect the people who you feel would represent you better. This may be too late to save the club this season, but encouragement comes from the likes of Charlton and Accrington Stanley, to name but two.
Themandownunder, South Australia (15/02/2010 at 23:45)
They should invite the councillors to the ground for the next home match (I know pig snouts in the trough and all that) but it might show them why we are so passionate about the club. I bet the majority have never been. This might give them an emotional boost that would get the ball rolling. Its not just the money its sound advice and a business plan for the next ten years is what we need. No point in plowing money in if next year we go out of the league
Maybe organise some ' money raisers' we used to play City pre season as a highlighter to get the fans going- thats what we need to draw in the crowds again- Get OGS to bring Utd reserves over - you never know some of the youngsters might like it so much they will come on loan....
rant ramble rant rant ramble rant...............