Coventry City administrator sets final bids deadline

COVENTRY City administrator Paul Appleton has set a deadline of noon on Thursday for “best and final offers” for the League One club.

A consortium headed by US tycoon Preston Haskell IV has already thrown its hat into the ring and there is also said to be interest from an Asian consortium and current owners Sisu.

Appleton would like any deal finalised before the fixture list for the new season is released on June 19.

The club is effectively homeless at the moment having been shut out of the Ricoh Arena following a row over unpaid rents between Sisu and stadium manager Arena Coventry Ltd (ACL).

Commercial property agents are seeking sites for a potential new ground development but unless a deal can be done with ACL the Sky Blues will almost certainly be ground sharing when the new season starts in August.

Appleton, from London-based David Rubin and Partners, said:  “I have received a number of indicative offers for the assets of Coventry City FC Limited.

“I am now inviting all interested parties to provide their best and final offers by noon on Thursday, June 13.

“Having discussed the situation with the Football League, and with the fixtures for the 2013-14 season due to be published on June 19, I believe the sale process must conclude quickly in order that arrangements can be made for the participation of Coventry City Football Club in the forthcoming season.”

Coventry City have been in administration since a High Court hearing in March and were docked ten points last season as a result.