Owner Michael Knighton has been silent since John Courtenay made a statement last week saying the deal was done and formalities would soon be completed. A press conference scheduled for this Monday was cancelled and since then no new announcements have been made. But Mr Corry has been in contact with Irish businessman Courtenay and revealed he was still confident everything would be done and dusted soon. "I have spoken to John Courtenay and everything is progressing, albeit slower than anticipated. He is still very positive. He is still firmly committed to buying the club and, sometime in the near future, he is hopeful of the deal being concluded." According to a source at the club, a joint statement could soon be made by Knighton and Courtenay that would pave the way for a press conference and help to reassure fans who are becaming increasingly sceptical that the deal will be completed. Manager Roddy Collins has already moved to quash speculation that a possible transfer of defender Lee Andrews might be playing a part in holding up the negotiations. But the outspoken boss has already hit out at the Knighton camp for dragging their heels over the takeover. Officially, no reason has been given for the current delay. Legal technicalities are still the only problem that is being admitted to, although Mr Courtenay had obviously expected everything to have been sorted out long before now. Actual details of the deal have not been revealed and the whole process is subject to confidentiality clauses. Courtenay has indicated that his accountants only did due diligence on the football club's books, suggesting he is purchasing the club from Knighton's holding company, CUFC Holdings Ltd, and not the holding company itself. It is understood that the holding company also owns several properties in Warwick Road, a large 120-acre plot of land close to Brunton Park and at least one property in Derbyshire. Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
