Semi-pro football club with fine FA Cup tradition enters third administration
SEMI-professional football club Northwich Victoria has gone into administration for the third time in its turbulent history, as owners – possibly its own supporters’ association – are sought.
A statement on the club’s website confirmed that Refresh Recovery Ltd, based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire had been appointed as the administrator.
Refresh said its insolvency practitioner Peter Harold is handling the club’s affairs. He was unavailable for comment yesterday.
The club statement said: “As you will be aware from the most recent club statement, The Northwich Victoria Supporters’ Association has expressed an interest in taking over the running of the club and is in communication with the Administrator.
“Supporters can rest assured that the purpose of the administration is find a new owner for the club.”
Victoria, founded 1874, is currently owned by Martin Rushe, the club’s solitary shareholder, and was in administration in both the 2004–05 and 2009–10 seasons.
The eighth-tier Northern Premier League Division One South club has an illustrious history for its exploits in the early rounds of the FA Cup, reaching reached the Second Round on several occasions: in 1979–80 (losing to Wigan Athletic in a replay), 1982–83 (Scunthorpe United), 1984–85 (Wigan Athletic), 1987–88 (Blackpool), 1988–89 (Tranmere Rovers), 2000-01 (Leyton Orient), and 2009-10 (Lincoln City).
Despite their league position declining to level eight, which required five qualifying rounds just to reach the First Round Proper, Northwich Victoria again reached the Second Round in 2015-16, and were defeated by Northampton Town from Football League Two in December 2015.
