Notts County owner completes Ilkeston Town acquisition

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has completed the takeover of Ilkeston FC, and will revert the club’s name back to Ilkeston Town FC following its demise in 2010.

Ilkeston FC has now been dissolved.

Hardy said: “I’m asbolutely thrilled to have completed my purchase of Ilkeston FC and can confirm that the club’s name will revert to Ilkeston Town Football Club with immediate effect.”

Hardy has named former Nottingham Forest player Steve Chettle as the club’s new manager.

Hardy added: “Steve is an Ilkeston and Nottingham Forest legend and I’m sure he’ll be an exciting appointment for supporters.

Chettle’s assistant manager will be Ian Deakin.

Hardy is keen to assure Notts County about his priorities. On a statement on the Club’s website, he said: “I have a ver clear message to the supporters of Notts County, and to football fans in general, who I am sure would like assurances over my commitment to the world’s oldest Football League club.

“Ilkeston Town will have its own corporate governance, with separate directors, financial structure and accountability.”

Dean Nelson from Smith Cooper, who conducted the sale, said: “Ilkeston FC is a pillar of the community, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to achieve a sale of the business and its assets with Erewash Borough Council’s support, ultimately securing football to be played this season.”

Simon Trees from Nelsons Solicitors advised on the deal.