Quick summary on the Chesterfield FC takeover latest - what has happened so far?

A possible takeover of Chesterfield FC has been rumbling on for a while now with regular weekly updates in the last few months.
By Liam Norcliffe
Published 21st Jan 2020, 16:25 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2020, 16:59 BST
Chesterfield FC owner, Dave Allen.Chesterfield FC owner, Dave Allen.
Chesterfield FC owner, Dave Allen.

Just in case you’ve lost track as to what the latest is, here’s a quick summary of what has happened so far:

Is the club up for sale?

Yes. Owner Dave Allen put the club up for sale in February 2017.

Who has shown interest in buying it?

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust and a supporters’ consortium have been the main contenders.

Has anyone else shown interest in buying the club?

Yes. Former Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has shown interest previously but said in December a deal was “highly unlikely.”

Businessman Mark Campbell, who previously tried to buy Falkirk and Sunderland, attended a game in December and was given a tour of the Proact but he told us that was as far as his interest went. However, Chesterfield FC company secretary, Ashley Carson, said Mr Campbell had made a bid.

What is the latest?

The community trust entered into a period of exclusivity with Mr Allen at the end of December.

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That meant that Mr Allen could not enter into talks with any other interested party while the trust carried out due diligence.

The trust also met National League CEO Michael Tattersall on Thursday, January 9.

However, it was announced last week one of the community trust’s funders has pulled out leaving them short of funds to complete the deal.

Due to their funding problems that exclusivity agreement has now been legally removed and Mr Allen can talk to any interested parties again.

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Mr Carson has today said that he is talking with the fans’ consortium again.

Could the trust still complete a takeover deal?

Yes. They say they are still committed to buying the Spireites and say a deal could still happen by the middle of March.

How much does owner Dave Allen continue to put into the club to keep it running?

Around 150,000 per month, although this month will be £200,000.

Will the club be put into administration if a buyer is not found before the end of the season?

According to Ashley Carson, online comments suggesting so are “nonsense.”

Related topics:FalkirkPort Vale