Mr Knighton's threats were confirmed by United director Mark Knighton who issued a statement saying the club's directors could decide to withdraw from the league immediately or field a team of young players and then withdraw at the end of next season. The threat would only be withdrawn if supporters trust (CCUIST) and the News & Star issued a public "apology", he claimed. Mr Knighton claimed he would contact the Football League and see if they would promote a second club from the Conference to take the place of the Cumbrians next season. If that wasn't possible, he suggested a team full of YTS players could be fielded. The astonishing claims were made in a couple of phone calls made last week to supporters' trust chairman Mike Corry and long-time United fan Lord Clark of Windermere. Both men are on the committee of the trust. Mr Knighton launched a broadside against the trust and the local media, blaming them for his drastic decision. However any evidence that Mr Knighton is making decisions that might affect the club's future would make interesting reading for the Department of Trade & Industry, who banned him from acting as a director of any UK company for five and a half years in September 2000. Both Mr Corry and Lord Clark had to think over the implications of going public with the contents of the calls. Football League rules state notice to resign must be given by January 1 each year with an April 1 deadline for confirmation. As United have now missed this deadline, it is almost certain they would not be allowed to withdraw before the start of next season. However there is also speculation that financial pressure could force the club into receivership or administration before that date. It is still thought possible talks could restart between Knighton and Irish businessman John Courtenay despite Knighton's assertion that he was no longer willing to sell his majority shareholding. The Knighton family currently underwrite a substantial loan of £960,000 borrowed from Bristol & West Investments plc in January 2001. Should this loan be called in, the club could lose ownership of Brunton Park and any shortfall would have to be met by the Knightons themselves. With the club's debts rising, the Knighton family will still be keen to rid themselves of this major financial burden. Mr Courtenay initiated court proceedings against Knighton last week for comments made by the owner about the Irishman's ability to fund his proposed takeover of the club. Meanwhile, CCUIST hope Knighton's threat will increase support for their Knighton Out day on Saturday. They are hoping to have KNIGHTON OUT banners displayed in every home in Carlisle, as well as other parts of the country and get national media attention with a series of high-profile posters positioned around the Carlisle area. Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
