We’ve nearly got it all ironed out

By Neil Harvey

SCUNTHORPE United have moved a giant step closer to securing their future after contracts were exchanged to purchase their Glanford Park stadium from former owner Peter Swann.

The crisis club were effectively kicked out of their home of 35 years back in September and forced to relocate 20 miles away to Gainsborough following an on-going row between Swann and his successor David Hilton.

As an act of good will, Swann allowed the team to continue playing at Glanford Park but after Hilton then agreed to hand over ownership of the club to former commercial director Michelle Harness in early October, negotiations begun for the club to acquire the stadium in the long term.

Harness and her board of directors have been working tirelessly to secure a deal before their target of mid-November, and they are now hopeful that the exchange of contracts can finally bring an end to the on-going saga and secure a bright new future for the club, while seeking the support of the local community.

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FUTURE SECURED? Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park stadium

PICTURE: Alamy

A club statement released this week read: “As said pre-viously, this is when the hard work truly does start. The club has overcome a number of obstacles, bumps in the road, and issues surrounding our future, but we now need the ongoing support of all of our supporters, local businesses and the community to make this a success and get this great club firmly back on track.

“Over the past couple of months, we have seen how much this football club means to everyone.

“It is integral to the town, and everyone had rallied round to ensure we have a future. This needs to continue. Whether it’s attending games, purchasing from the shop, signing up to our lottery, or supporting the club in another way, every little bit of backing is pivotal for our future.

“Moving forward, our focus is to continue to tackle our extreme levels of debt that have been inherited. Good progress has been made to conquer a number of these, but we need support from everyone to continue moving in the right direction.

“As a board of directors, we acknowledge there is work yet to be done, but we remain confident in the positive trajectory set in motion.

We extend our thanks, once more, to all those that have played a role in this milestone achievement.

“We’ve said it before. This is your club. Let’s make sure our future is bright.”