fbpx
Connect with us

Non League

Scunthorpe owner David Hilton hits back after ex-owner Peter Swann threatens legal action

Current Scunthorpe United owner David Hilton hits back after ex-owner Peter Swann threatens legal action in a remarkable statement.

Hilton and his predecessor are being tasked to sort out the National League North club’s future at Glanford Park, and while impressive signings after being made this summer, it’s not all good news.

@aidanmccartney wrote: “As expected, shit is hitting the fan at Scunthorpe. Former owner Peter Swann has posted on a fan site that he is taking legal action against new owner David Hilton and will look for the club to vacate Glanford Park. Quite remarkable statement.

“It really would be nice to believe the hype but that statement rings huge alarm bells about the future of the football club. Hilton has many questions to answer. Starting with, where are the club going to be playing this season? 🤦‍♂️

“David Hilton/White has now issued a pretty blunt response to Swann’s fan site statement via Facebook.”

Hilton replied on Swann’s statement (seen below): “Now isn’t this surprising, the day I publish that I am uncomfortable with Iron Bru and I confirm their allegiance to your former owner and they issue a statement from the man himself. Convenient I will obviously respond to this rubbish once I have had time to digest it. But it does seem my earlier post has smoked out some vermin and clarified a certain relationship status.”

Martin Calladine (aka @uglygame on Twitter) says: “Deeply, deeply troubling for Scunthorpe, as open warfare breaks out between the old owner, who still owns the ground, and the new owner, who the old one effectively accuses of not having a pot to piss in.”

PETER SWANN STATEMENT VIA IRON BRU:

Please see statement dated 06.07.23 below. I have posted here as a last resort to attempt to bring the fans up to date as I don’t have any social media accounts.

There comes a time, during every business transaction, when a party must state certain facts due to media posts and speculation in the public domain, which are untrue, misleading and causing harm to one or more of the associated parties. I hope this statement clarifies in writing, what can be substantiated with evidence if ever challenged.

We as a family decided to look to sell the club and Glanford Park a couple of years ago and had various interests from multiple parties. Those potential purchasers worked with us on establishing the value of the club and land, working through budgets, creditors and debtors etc. Over that period all of those offers and interests fell away due to a lack of proven funds but not until a substantial amount of time and money was spent in accommodating those interested parties. In January, we decided to appoint an advisor to add clarity to the situation and we hoped to be able to move the club on quicker and with transparency. Sadly, each new potential buyer fell away at the proof of funds and finance stage of the purchase, even with a professional independent advisor on board.

In the middle of January, I was told that we had serious interest from an individual who already owned a club and wanted to step in and take the football club and land associated with it and that our advisors had seen proof of funds. The land and stadium were priced at £3m and the individual was notified that the club would probably need £600k of liquid investment to finish the season. Management accounts, budgets and all other details were at hand, as we had prepared and provided these for many other previous potential investors. Everything was clear in the financial package and the purchaser, Mr David Hilton, had access to this and so much more information. The price was agreed – Mr Hilton was happy with the £3m price tag and understood the investment needed to finish the season and take on all the existing debts and loans. As such, we decided to sell the club to Mr Hilton for a few pounds and proceeded to enter an exclusivity period, which was Mr Hilton’s idea and also included extended timescales, at Mr Hilton’s request, for any extra due diligence on the asset and so that, in his words, he could liquidate the funds required to purchase.

In late January, we signed a 4-month exclusivity agreement, which meant we could not sell to another party and were bound into that period with Mr Hilton. During this period, Mr Hilton had explained he was using the best professional people to advise him on the land and stadium and didn’t require his lawyers until the transaction was to be concluded. Although in breach of the exclusivity deal, we were happy to work on this premise. At no time did Mr Hilton raise concerns over the price and in fact on multiple occasions had stated he was happy with the price and would be concluding on time or even earlier.

The first red flag surfaced when Mr Hilton announced the 1899 club membership scheme, which uncannily reflected the figures for the purchase of the club and stadium, as well as the likely liquid funds required to finish the season. We approached Mr Hilton on this and explained we were concerned he did not have the funds to purchase, which is when the relationship went south, to a point where direct contact was impossible due to the content of certain emails and texts received by myself. The lawyers then took control and no direct discussions have taken place since. No new proof of funds, as asked for by me, or statement of wealth has been forthcoming.

During the exclusivity period, we continued to work tirelessly, answering his enquiries via our solicitors in a timely and professional manner and overcoming all questions asked on the matter. Despite this, still the process dragged on. We received an offer for the full amount spaced over a period, which we agreed to but required proof of funds and security over the property until the amount was paid in full. However, Mr Hilton asked to secure the balance payments on a personal guarantee, which would have been just less than half of the agreed purchase price over 12 months or more, interest free. We again asked for proof of funds, which were being withheld. Mr Hilton refused to accept security over the land and stadium and after we did our own due diligence decided we couldn’t accept a personal guarantee, which now was being asked to be put against SUFC rather than himself in any case. This was unacceptable for us, and we were sure this is something that would not go down well with the fans either. From about a month before the end of the exclusivity period, Mr Hilton refused to pay the agreed sum and started to impose unrealistic demands which we could not accept under the agreement that was in place.

We have acted with full professionalism, respected the exclusivity agreement in full and with flexibility where needed, never moved the transaction to benefit us beyond the agreement and in fact have worked to accommodate any deal that would have ensured Scunthorpe Utd had the best possible chance of moving forward and staying at Glanford Park (GP). These range from a discounted one-off price, to a deposit and interest free payments, to a part sale with agreement to change the price if any issue was found to devalue the site. In fact, that is still available and has been on the table – Mr Hilton could have owned the site, secured possession and the future of the club by paying just 50% of the asking price and working on the remaining monies needed. To this day I have still not seen proof of funds directly or, received via the solicitors, any up-to-date proof of funds or wealth as requested and we must question until proven otherwise whether those funds were available and / or are still available to purchase the site under the exclusivity agreement.

The recent media / news reports and online chatter regarding a new stadium, training facilities and a potential ground share agreed late April and licenced by the National League at that time, have convinced us that Mr Hilton does not have the money to purchase the site and in fact was ready to vacate after the May deadline as stated in the exclusivity agreement. To our complete surprise we received notification shortly before the deadline that Mr Hilton would be himself issuing SUFC a short term 7-day periodic lease, in contravention of the exclusivity agreement and where he had no legal right to do so. This lease will be challenged in the courts shortly and Mr Hilton and SUFC will be asked to vacate the land. The lease he issued himself does not constitute a security of tenure required by the National League or the FA. We have made this point very clear to the National League alongside many other ongoing major issues, however they have refused to work with us or even communicate with us properly to discuss these concerns.

It is unfathomable that Mr Hilton has not truly informed the fans of this situation, still continues to claim the club holds a two-year secured lease, that SUFC will 100% be playing at GP, and that a groundshare had been agreed as a backup! SUFC has been taking monies for season tickets, sponsorship, home friendlies, car parking, as well as signing numerous players on contracts who have likely committed with the expectation of playing at GP this season – all these parties making purchases and commitments not knowing the true nature of the situation. Mr Hilton is completely aware of all of the above and yet both he and SUFC continue to publicly pretend all is well and that GP will be where SUFC play their football this season.

It is time Mr Hilton answered publicly and directly to inform the fans what is going on – not hiding behind closed doors, in closed interviews, through Facebook or through others’ social media accounts. Mr Hilton needs to tell the fans the truth of the position he is in, not only on the purchase, but why he hasn’t publicly kept them in the loop regarding the situation both himself and SUFC find themselves in. There are many more serious questions that must be answered and there is still a chance the situation could be recovered, if Mr Hilton decides to pay what was agreed, in whichever format that works for all parties and with accompanying legitimate proof of funds. However, currently the occupation of GP and a complete lack of any recent considered efforts by Mr Hilton and his team to come to any form of amicable agreement on the purchase has meant we have been forced into legal action to regain possession of the property.

DAVID HILTON SAYS

I would just like to post and say how delighted I am to have Lee and Roj as directors of the club. I had taken Lee off originally along with all others whilst I learnt about the business and the people involved. I have full trust in Lee and his love for the club is undeniable.

Roj Rahman is somebody again with the club imbedded deep in his heart and he is a wonderful human being and businessman. He will bring so much to the club moving forward.

I sincerely thank them both.

I would also like to confirm that creating a board of local people to support me was always something I had planned to do. Like I have said, I just needed to understand the business and people in and around it.

I will openly admit that I underestimated the work involved and the club has had a massive impact on the life I was accustomed to. I’m hopeful that having the board in place will encourage the doubters to back the club in the knowledge that the decisions made will be by numerous local people with a genuine affinity to the club and not just by some stranger from Nottingham.

The new board members (more to follow) will also help me push the club forward with their commitment and expertise, filling voids left by departing paid staff and therefore allowing a bigger sustainable commitment to the playing budget as you have all seen this summer.
The board has not been set up for financial reasons as reported by the negative few on another site. Of course I would hope that all board members will be a financial benefit to the club, but anything they generate will only be used to help the club sustain and compete at higher levels.

I would like to mention my disappointment at the supposed fans page Iron Bru. I have noticed during my time here that their posts are predominantly of the negative variety. I do not think I have seen many if any positive posts. I noticed this in April and reached out for them to meet me face to face and ask their questions. An invitation they declined. It seems this site are far happier pushing their own negativity than finding out the facts. I am also fully aware that they still liaise with Mr Swann. This was confirmed when a question was directed my way containing information that only myself and Mr Swann were privy to.

Whilst peoples opinions will differ which I’m all for, I really do not have time for the minority of cowards that push their own interpretation of events when the truth is only a question away. Especially those hiding behind fake names.

Because of this, one of the first things I will be asking the new board to consider will be an official supporters club to be formed with direct access to the board. Possibly even represented on the board.

Whatever your thoughts about me are please remember this. I saved the club you all love from extinction as I promised at a significant financial cost, I am handing over the running of it to local people and supporters, I have reset the club and together we have built a fantastic squad preparing for a hopefully successful period. I have created a business model that is now sustainable and I have asked for nothing in return. I am obviously very proud to be the Chairman of your Football Club and I promise my commitment will continue moving forward.

One last point, the June 22 accounts were filed a few days late and my apologies for this. It was a slightly embarrassing oversight on my part. It is not the big deal that the minority are using to push negativity again and certainly no reason for concern.

I’m assured they will appear on companies house imminently.

Finally, football is back Saturday and the season is nearly here, it’s now time to unite 💪 and get behind Jimmy and the boys, what is any of this for if it isn’t about getting back to winning football matches #uptheiron

This is what fans are saying as the Scunthorpe owner David Hilton hits back after ex-owner Peter Swann threatens legal action…

@GarethBricknel1: This Swann & Hilton/White saga is tragic to watch. The sad thing is it’s a repeat of the Day/Dale relationship that brought on the tragedy at Gigg Lane. Has Mr Hilton/White/Jailbird released those incriminating emails on Phil Young he promised over 2 years ago yet? Still waiting

@danshaw88: Ffs it’s like children.

Alan Moss: David , I have been a Scunthorpe fan for only past 10 years but have seen how someone who is not in it for the sport can rip the heart and soul out of a club. But since your arrival I have seen nothing but kept promises, fan interactions and one hell of a fighting spirit. Can I just say from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU SIR UTI

Alan Wright: Trust and transparency are all we have ever wanted. I believe we now have that. Roll on the nes season. UTI! Rev Alan, club chaplain

Ant Bright: Fantastic news about the board David White 👍 No real surprise the Bru lot declined the invitation – they’re majorly conflicted and it’s clear to see, it was a one-way ticket into Swann’s bed a long time ago. Very refreshing to get a full update on all the goings-on at the club, the majority of the fans are backing the club 100% and looking forward to the next chapter! Hopefully the training facility update only boosts fans optimism about the direction the club is moving in. Excited for the future!! UTI!!

Jamie Gill: So refreshing to read this. You and the team you are creating, on and off the field, have mine and many many others support. #UTI

James Woolley: Thankyou for the update and transparency. This has already been said but it’s only a very small minority of fans that are negative, most are very positive and appreciate everything you have done

Paula Jane Hickson: Totally agree!!! Totally behind you and your decisions and cannot wait for the new season to start!

Terry Bawden: Not been to watch the iron for a couple of years, refused to go while Swann was in charge. will be back this season. uti

Harry Finnigan: My chairman, OUR Chairman 💜🩵 Absolutely brilliant to read. Got to look forward, it’s time to get behind the club and enjoy what will hopefully be a successful future. UTI!

Daryn McCleave: 👏💪 Brilliant stuff. Stopped listening to the Bru Buffoons many months ago. Absolute Negative Nellies who, let’s be honest, were Previous Owner Who Shall Not Be Named’s puppets on a string.

Michael Hedison: Ok, so David White saves the club, throws loads of cash at it as last minute attempt to keep us up. Signed more players in the last 6 months than we have in the last 6 years, put a new team together on and off the pitch, now building a new board. Looking at ground options and training facilities. I don’t remember seeing as much interest on social media ever! So, yep I think as we move forward, we should feel lucky to have a man who wants what the fans want! As others have said 99% people on here are over the moon with what we now have, the 1% well if we win the premiership they would moan! I hope people remember that the team are new together and don’t expect mega wins each week it’s going to be a hard season, but if you look at where we are now, it will be built on, and the club has turned the corner, thank you David for keeping us alive, the true fans will back you all the way! UTI

Kev Allen: Your 100% right in your opinion of iron brew , in the past they was great , these days it’s so negative it seems they hold some kind of elegance to swann , Well done for calling them out , 👏👏 I will say a MASSIVE thank You from me for saving our club . 👏👏👏 Keep up the great work and as hard as it is just ignore the negative and concentrate on the Genuine people who really love this club . I’m 100% behind you

Adam Keighley: Us real supporters love what you are doing to our club and the new board members I couldn’t think of anyone better they both have scunthorpe at heart you are a legend you saved our club and are turning our club around and got some great players in as well and got you rid of swann and with new training ground and stadium on the agenda we couldn’t ask anymore from thank you again Iron forever 💙

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Non League