Collins told BBC Radio Cumbria's Derek Lacey after the 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury today that Courtenay was at the end of his tether after nearly 11 weeks of protracted negotiations and was ready to call time on the talks and switch his attentions to another club. Collins had already said he would quit once United were safe from relegation assuming the talks failed. Speculation has linked Collins to the vacant position at Hull City but Jan Molby is now the strong favourite for that job. Both Bury and Queen's Park Rangers could be the club that Courtenay intends to take over if his Brunton Park ambitions are thwarted by Knighton. Talks between Knighton and Courtenay began on January 11 in Leeds and several "deadlines" have already passed with no news of a final agreement or a press conference being called to formally sign the hand over. Courtenay has promised Collins a five-year contract and money for new players if he is successful in purchasing the club. With the ITV Digital deal collapsing and the Football League looking to renegotiate with another broadcaster, possibly Sky, there is almost certain to be a cash shortfall over the next few seasons but United are not thought to be in immediate danger. However supporters are sure to react with anger if the Courtenay takeover fails. Many hundreds have boycotted home games this season and last week supporters' trust secretary Alan Steel warned that fans would turn their backs on the club like never before if Mr Knighton again fails to dispose of his majority shareholding. Picture from News & Star |
