After more talks today at Brunton Park, Irish millionaire Courtenay announced a press conference would be held tomorrow between 11.30 and 12.30. It is thought likely this conference will announce the deal that should bring an end to nearly a decade of the Michael Knighton era. Mr Courtenay's team of accountants completed their inspection of the books today and he said they had found no nasty surprises and all that was left was to agree a price with Mr Knighton. Earlier in the day when Courtenay arrived at the ground he was very hopeful a deal could be thrashed in time for tonight's clash with Rushden & Diamonds. "We have had no problems and it's just a matter of the amount of work to be done," he told reporters. He also said that he would not retain the same directors as those currently in place under the Knighton regime, Andrea Whittaker and Knighton's eldest son, Mark. Yesterday's talks proved inconclusive and the accountants also ran out of time as they attempted to complete due diligence in just one day. "We just ran out of time last night," said Courtenay. "Things are going well. I'm constricted by a confidentiality agreement so I cannot discuss the detail, but there is no breakdown and there are no issues between us. I'm confident we can get the job done and hopeful we'll be in a better position by tomorrow." Mr Knighton has not revealed the name of another potential buyer of the club who he insists he is still in negotiations with. Manager Roddy Collins, who drove Courtenay to the ground today in a Blue Rover, has said he would resign if the deal fell through. He said he would steer Carlisle clear of relegation and then leave for pastures new. |
