Blyth Spartans up for sale, 180 days after take over as chairman criticises boycotts and protests

Blyth Spartans are up for sale, 180 days after the take over by Winners Worldwide as chairman Irfan Liaquat criticises boycotts and protests.

He claims that he’s ‘in the advance stages with a potential sale to a strong party who have the means, and capacity to take the club forward’.

It’s the right decision, it has been a shambles, managers have come and gone, the club got relegated and they sit bottom of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, on course for back-to-back relegations and the fanbase were concerned for the future and direction it’s going in.

🟢⚪️ Blyth Spartans are up for sale, 180 days after being taken over by Winners Worldwide.

Irfan Liaquat 🗣️ “I would also like to announce I am in advance stages with a potential sale to a strong party who have the means, and capacity to take the club forward.” https://t.co/AQmerPMG8l

— Jordan Cronin (@jordancronin_) October 16, 2024

STATEMENT:

Dear Fans, Members, and Sponsors,

I am writing to inform you that, after careful consideration and in light of the “current situation” with the ongoing boycotts, and protests, I have decided to sell the Football Club with immediate effect.

I would also like to announce I am in advance stages with a potential sale to a strong party who have the means, and capacity to take the club forward. We will keep you updated with the sale progression accordingly.

I took over a “distressed asset” in May this year, (2 days before relegation) in a desperate attempt to save the club which was clearly in a very difficult situation both financially, and with stability, having avoided relegation over the past few seasons before we took over that you are all aware of (thanks to COVID restrictions)

Despite Tony Platten writing off a £700,000 directors loan which he accumulated over a 25 year period, the Club needed ongoing financial support, with the skill set to stabilise, improve, and grow.

This was an exciting and extremely challenging project that I had agreed to take on with my team.

Proof of funds, along with an effective plan of execution was delivered to Tony Platten ahead of the takeover.

We set out a 5 year plan and hit the “reset button” almost immediately upon arrival.

The plan would have helped stabilise the club, add value, and accelerate in challenging competitions for the future growth of the Football Club over time.

In the short 6 months we have been here, I invested in the team with an initial cash injection by increasing the playing budget from previous years and built a team of 22 players.

Taking relegation into account, attracting higher end players was not a simple task, nor was keeping a hold of some of the squad players we were left with upon takeover.

We took over with 2 players, and had a very short period to build a competitive team of 22 for the upcoming season.

The boycotts and protests are not only damaging the reputation of a long standing and historic football club, but equally having a strong financial impact towards the sustainability and the future of the club.

We lost some key members from our team due to unfortunate circumstances, but we stood strong and pushed for the better of the Club, its future, and it’s amazing fan base.

Some of our key wins in the short 6 months I have been here:

Ongoing Investment for sustainability.

Adding value by engaging with cooperates, local businesses, and community partners across Northumberland

Joining alliance with the UK Armed Forces demonstrating inclusion, diversity, recognition, and an open door policy for our military veterans.

Significant Increase in sponsorships across the Football Club. 15 new businesses added within a 6 months period.

Stadium repairs, Club Shop upgraded with new fixtures and fittings, Hospitality room, and player changing rooms also renovated.

Furthermore, I have personally injected a cash sum of Circa £63,000 via director loans to date as an investment, and took on additional costs totalling over £100,000 towards the sustainability and growth of the Football Club as I had initially committed. And for the avoidance of doubt, I will be writing off all the loans before the Club is handed over to any new owners.

Lastly I would like to request you continue to support this amazing Football Club, and keep backing the players. There is over 30 games to go, and a few wins with strong support will get us out of the relegation zone.

You have a very enthusiastic first team manager who is continually improving the team, and will also drive them with passion and dedication to get the results we need.

This is your Club, and the club needs you now more than ever.

It was back in February when Irfan Liaquat took over the club with investment company Winners Worldwide includes setting their sights on the Football League with fans invited to a meeting and to give thoughts on their five-year vision.

Tony Platten retired as the owner of Blyth Spartans having been involved with the club since 2000, and at the time of his departure, they sat 15th in the National League North table with 42 points from 34 games played, 7 points above the drop zone and 12 points from the playoffs.

Irfan Liaquat pledged to unlock huge potential and deliver league football to Blyth Spartans and the Northumberland town for the first time, before it all went wrong.

Irfan’s five-year plan included:

Striving for success – the Club will be resilient and keep moving forward

Championing the local community through a programme of education and engagement

Connecting new fans and old by creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space at Croft Park

Investment in key areas on and off the field – developing a winning mentality and building on the values and ethos of Blyth Spartans

Maintaining tradition and respecting heritage as the Club prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary

Irfan commented this afternoon: “Blyth Spartans is the most famous non-league Club in the world. We are surrounded by a fantastic community. We want to get out of this tier as a matter of urgency.

“We will spend money but we won’t spend it like it’s going out of fashion. We know what we need to do and we will get to work instantly. There are exciting times ahead and you will see exactly what we need to do.

“I’ve been here as a fan and it took me five minutes to decide this is what I want. I’m looking forward to engaging with supporters.”

Blyth Spartans fans to stage BOYCOTT FA Trophy fixture at home to Stockton

Here’s how fans reacted with Blyth Spartans up for sale, 180 days after a take over as the chairman criticises boycotts and protests…

@liamhendy17: Well funnily enough you told me you put 70 grand in of your own money and the protest wernt against the club it’s against you and your wolly worldwide winners have fucked this club you fraud take you and ya puppet Howard and fuck off

@MccourtIain: Not my fault. Oh yes it is mate.

@partykitchen59: Thank goodness! Now let’s get behind Stockdale and the lads starting on Saturday. 💚⚽️💚

@andygib263: Best news for everyone

@Ted246_: Let’s see if he’s true to his word and who this buyer is. Wouldn’t surprise me if it was one of his pals. But we shall see.

@geordiegaz83: Built a 22 man squad 😂😂😂 Good riddance!! Get back to your other wonderful projects 👍

@Boyle_Thomas08: Needed to sell the club. Hoping a new owner comes in and helps Blyth and gets the back into the National league

@Stillicho82: Hopefully it will be someone with the best interests of the club in mind.

@liamrobinson94: Nothing but blame, blame, blame towards the supporters. Good fucking riddance.

@Grimmy16: Well…. That’s a statement

@Chorley_Mon: Not even a “honeymoon period” to speak of for his six months in charge and he’s off. At least he will be if he can find someone to take the club on.

@toon_mentalist: That reads as everyone else’s fault but his!