The controversial former safe blower, whose wife accused Darlington players of throwing games earlier this year, has formed a bizarre alliance with Michael Knighton, accusing fans in Carlisle of a "parish pump mentality" in their campaign to oust Knighton who has been the owner of the Cumbrians for the past 10 years. Reynolds and Knighton are to be founder members of the Owners, Chairmen and Directors' Association which seeks to represent the money men in football in their battles with the fans, press and football authorities. Administrators BKR Haines Watts have announced plans to sell 1.6 acres of land near the Rosehill traffic lights on Warwick Road in order to raise funds. Now they say a loan could help the club meet its immediate liabilities and satisfy creditors who are due to meet later this month to vote on the administrators' rescue proposals. But fans are angry that no plans have been drawn up to sell the club to popular Irishman John Courtenay and local entrepreneur Brooks Mileson who have formed a rescue consortium. As many as 90% of supporters are prepared to boycott home games if the club doesn't change hands. Reynolds is believed to be involved in a case Knighton is preparing against "13 individuals" for defamation of character and conspiracy to defraud, amongst others. He has hired a team of London solicitors to investigate whether there is a case against his many detractors, including the local press and the supporters' trust (CCUIST). The clubs debts are thought to be as much as £1 million. Knighton's own company CUFC Holdings are not creditors any more after repaying themselves a £960,000 loan lent out in January 2001. The club has only 15 players after releasing 16 in May. Amongst them were midfielder Steve Soley and defender Mark Winstanley who both signed for Southport last month. Striker Ian Stevens has rejoined his former club Shrewsbury Town whilst central defender Dave Rogers has linked up with Dutch club Cambuur. The club are without a manager but the administrators claim they will make an announcement about the vacant position this week. Amongst the main contenders for the job are former Aston Villa and Hull City boss Brian Little, Brazilian Edson Silva and ex-Villa and United star Shaun Teale. Picture from News & Star |
