Alan Hardy exits Ilkeston Town
Alan Hardy has sold Ilkeston Town Football Club.
Ilkeston Town FC head coach Mark Clifford has completed the takeover of the club following successful negotiations with Hardy.
Hardy bought the Robins in July 2017 afer the club has been placed into liquidation.
Clifford, a former Ilkeston Town player, takes the reins less than two months on from his appointment.
He said: “This is an extremely proud day for me and an ambition fulfilled after 25 years in football.
“I’m going into this with my eyes wide open knowing that there is a lot of hard work ahead to develop our squad and improve our ground.
“As people are aware my involvement with the Club is not limited to the present time, I have also had time at the Club as a player in the past. Despite much turmoil over the years along with the constant threat of extinction I was pleasantly surprised at the unwavering passion still being shown both within the Club and by the supporters.
“For this reason along with my own personal ambition I decided to use a network of my contacts to try securing help in purchasing the Club, along with moving it forward to where I believe it needs to be. These people have now committed to investing significant funds in order to purchase the Club and pay off all outstanding debt.
“Their vision and business model in respect of creating a self-sustaining Club whilst enabling me to build a team capable of progressing to greater heights will be exemplary to other non-league clubs and there for all to see in forthcoming press releases.
“Anyone that puts time, effort and money into a project of this nature deserves tremendous credit and I would like to thank Alan Hardy for the part that he has played in Ilkeston’s history and saving the Club back in July 2017.
“I can confirm several millions of pound are to be invested into the club’s new business model, securing its future, providing better facilities and funds to strengthen the playing staff along with creating a community project that not only supporters, but local businesses and residents can participate in and be proud of. All at the Club believe community involvement during these exciting times is paramount in its predicted future success.”
Hardy tweeted his support for the new owners, saying: “Best wishes for the future guys, I’m sure you’ll continue the success.
“A huge thank you to the brilliant fans who have shown me unbelievable support, I greatly appreciate your constant encouragement and kind words. It’s been a fantastic and rewarding two years. Thank you all.”
Ilkeston face Frickley at home on Saturday.
