Hawks future under threat

By Robin Jones

AT RISK: Administrators have moved into the Harlow Town Arena

PICTURE: Ray Lawrence

HARLOW Town have been plunged into administration – and have had 10 points deducted from their Spartan South Midlands Premier campaign as a result.

A judge at London’s insolvency court appointed administrators MHA last week following an application by the trustees of the Platinum Sports Management Limited Pension Scheme.

As a result, much-loved official Donna Harvey, cited by many as the ‘best secretary in ‘Non-League’ has stood down after ten years’ loyal service.

“[It’s] probably the hardest decision of my life,” she said on X. “I absolutely love my club and have fought for it over and over but I just can’t do this.”

The Hawks hit the headlines in 1979-80 when they reached the FA Cup fourth round after knocking out Southend United and Leicester City.

But their problems began in December 2022 when, at Step 4, they were forced to withdraw from the Southern League, as problems with their artificial pitch left them unable to fulfil their fixtures.

In May 2023, the club negotiated a return to the National League System pyramid for the 2023-24 season, being placed in the Eastern Counties League Division One South.

They finished third in their first season back, although ineligible for promotion, only to cruise to the title the following season to move up to the Premier division.

The points deduction sees the Hawks drop from 10th to 14th in the table with 23 points from 22 games.

Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Town Council, who own the freehold of their Harlow Arena home, said: “The news that Harlow Town FC has entered administration is deeply concerning.

“For generations, thousands of Harlow residents have supported the club through good times and bad, and it is their interests that must come first.

“My sole focus is on protecting football in our town, the volunteers, and the supporters – not the company itself – and I am clear that the council will do everything within its powers to safeguard football in our town and stand firmly behind the supporters.”