Council lodges petition for administration of League Two football club

A borough council has lodged a petition for the administration of its local football club to buy time for a rescue plan to be put together.

Northampton Borough Council said the move would also give it more control over the future of Northampton Town Football Club.

The club was due to face a hearing that could place it into liquidation on 16 November.

The local authority said it had held discussions with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), who had indicated that they were unwilling to delay or adjourn the action.

The council will appear in court to oppose liquidation and explain its proposals to the judge. However, it will be up to the judge to decide whether or not to allow an adjournment.

Northampton BC said: “A petition for administration would, however, have precedence over the HMRC action, and could prevent the club being put into liquidation.”

The council added that it had taken advice from the Football League and been told that issuing the petition would not result in a points deduction for the club.  Such a deduction would only happen if rescue efforts failed and the club was eventually placed in administration.


A consortium led by Kelvin Thomas, former Chairman of Oxford United FC, is seeking to acquire the controlling interest in NTFC and is in advanced discussion with the council about the club’s debt.


Cllr Mary Markham, Leader of the Council, said: “The council when it met on the 2nd November was urged to take steps to oppose the Petition for Liquidation from HMRC, and it unanimously committed to do all it can to support the Cobblers and their followers.


“This course of action would prevent the club being put into liquidation on Monday and would give us time to continue working with other interested parties, including the Supporters’ Trust, to put together a rescue plan for the Football Club.”


A spokesman for the Northampton Town Supporters Trust said: "We’re grateful for the council responding to our request for an objection before the court, and to seek an administration order which will allow more time to consider the options.  


"It is imperative that the club is given as much time as possible, and avoids an imminent points deduction.
"We still believe a number of outcomes are possible and we are working with all parties behind the scenes to reach a positive outcome."


A date will be set for the petition to be heard in court, and is expected to be before the end of November.

In late September the borough council issued legal notices to the football club requiring repayment of £10.25m it is owed, after repayments were missed.