The news is sure to frustrate fans who thought at the weekend that the Knighton era, which stretches to almost a decade, might finally be coming to an end. Mr Knighton was still insisting today that he would sell to Courtney if he could demonstrate he had the financial clout to take on the club's liabilities and provide the funds to move it forward in the future. "If John Courtney says he is serious, he has until 5pm on Monday to buy the club. He came out of the blue when I was very well advanced with another party and I still am. I have given him until Monday close of business and the third party understands that I have to give him that time. "If he demonstrates that he has the available funds to take the club forward and redeem existing borrowings which are guaranteed by my son, then the ball is in Mr Courtney's court. There are no obstacles being put in his way. If he has the money and the deal is right, if he wants a quick deal he can have it. "There have been so many people come forward saying they are going to buy the club and that hasn't materialised. Everybody has tried to attach the blame to myself when the truth of the matter is the club is here and I will exchange contracts in 48 hours. The information is available and if they are serious they can do it in that time. Geoffrey Richmond purchased Bradford City in 48 hours." Courtney's accountants were due at Brunton Park today to inspect the last seven years' accounts, which Knighton is believed to have allowed him access to. The Irish businessman, who has attended Carlisle's last two games and intends to be at Luton on Saturday, says he hopes to lift the Cumbrians into the First Division within four years if he is successful in his attempt to dislodge Knighton. Stu's too good to stay at Carlisle, says Roddy United boss Roddy Collins says he won't try and persuade midfield starlet Stuart Green to stay at Brunton Park, because he believes it would be an insult to the talented West Cumbrian youngster. Green has agreed to stay at the club for a further two months on loan but is likely to return to Newcastle United after that and Collins believes he can quickly break through to their first-team. "In my opinion, he should be playing at a much higher level than Division Three, so we have no chance of getting him at the end of the season. I wouldn't even ask the kid to sign for us because it would be unfair on him because he can play in a higher league. If I was the manager of a Premier League club, I would be wanting to snap him up because he's a great player." |
