Just less than 24 hours after Southend were saved, Scunthorpe United have been too with a takeover completed by a local businesswoman.
The Iron have agreed a takeover deal with, Michelle Harness, who is a former commercial director, local businesswoman, a known person in the club, the town and is described to be ‘successful in business’.
This ends a turbulent nine months under David Hilton, who steps away, with the group purchasing his controlling shares in the National League North club.
The Nottingham businessman had come in to replace Peter Swann in January, however, an FA investigation emerged with a statement last week saying that he had withdrawn his funding and looking to sell the club.
It was also claimed they had been set to move to league below Gainsborough Trinity, 17 miles away, after they play their game against Brackley Town on Saturday, something that was news to Gainsborough having not officially agreed anything.
But it is now thought they are close to agreeing a deal to stay at Glanford Park.
👀 What takeover… 😉✍️ https://t.co/FevXLqAWaH
— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) October 4, 2023
Scunthorpe United has confirmed that a takeover has been completed for the club by local businesswoman Michelle Harness. https://t.co/4ZRhU4hUfH
— Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) October 4, 2023
STATEMENT:
Scunthorpe United can confirm that a takeover has been completed for the club by local businesswoman Michelle Harness.
A current Director of the club, and former Commercial Manager of over 15 years at the Iron, Michelle has acquired the club from the outgoing David Hilton.
Following a busy few days of negotiations and putting plans in place, Michelle is delighted to be taking on the football club, saying: “I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the transaction, especially David Hilton.
“There are a lot of challenges and problems to overcome, but David has taken no fee for the club, and wiped all monies that he personally invested to enable this deal to happen. I wish him and his family all the best for the future, and I hope he finds some peace away from football.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of Simon Elliott, who has massively assisted in getting this deal over the line. There is now a lot of work to do behind the scenes to get our great football club back on track, and that work starts immediately with the fantastic team we have working for us, starting with the appointment of a new board.”
There was plenty of reaction as Scunthorpe United confirm they have been SAVED with a takeover completed by a local businesswoman…
@HarryConstabl13: What a fucking brilliant 2 days for English football
@samgoody23: Absolutely wonderful news. 2 SUFCs saved in 2 days- now here’s to us both meeting again back where we belong
@richardlong1990: Great news for the Iron! Still a long way to go but a step in the right direction & they can focus on their football again now ⚽️
@SenseiPhil2: Congratulations, Scunny! Hopefully, another club on the mend following inept leadership.
@JamesRBeattie: Congrats guys, hope it all works out and both SUFC’s can thrive from now on. Good luck!
@HungryHatter: Both Southend and Scunthorpe United have apparently been saved. Brilliant news. Hopefully, both clubs really do have the right people running their clubs now.
@Johnny_Cowdroy: Congratulations @SUFCOfficial great news! I hope it works out and you get your ground back too. Now you are back to being scunts and I hope you lose on Saturday 👏👏🐟 #UTM
@KetchleyShane: Brilliant news. But As I said after our own clubs good news yesterday, something still needs to be put in place. The FA and Government needs to act quickly to stop this happening to other clubs. Inadequate owners have no place in our footballing pyramid
@coventrypie: Many congratulations guys – delighted you have found the way forward 👏👏👏
@_TJStone: First Southend, now Scunthorpe. The feeling of your club being saved from the brink of existence must be exhausting. No matter how many challenging times you face & how many setbacks your club will go through.. Football will always win. Congratulations SUFC’s 💜🦐
@del_boi1: Michelle harness’ barmy army 🔵🔴
@RossGibson1992: Alexa! Is it acceptable to work from the pub for the last two hours of a shift? So happy. So relieved. Thank you, Michelle.
@HCAFC__: Great news , rivalry aside this needed to happen
@LewisJamesHaigh: Good news. Hope to see no other club go through anything similar.
@Badgersno1: Great news for Scunthorpe fans, glad both the SUFC’s have been saved from these terrible owners. Hopefully see Southend & Scunthorpe back In the football league over the coming years
@magpies_history:
Really pleased to hear this
Good luck for the future! 👍🏻
❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/K6tRwvSODo
— Rob Carpenter (@RobC_66) October 4, 2023
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