Managerless Mansfield Town have been thrown into chaos after having their ground re-possessed by a former owner.
Keith Haslam sold the Nottinghamshire club to local businessmen Andy Saunders, Steve Middleton and Andy Perry in 2008, before the trio sold the club on, to millionaire John Radford, earlier this year.
However, Haslam retained ownership of the club’s Field Mill home and leased the ground to the new owners. This lease has now been terminated amid allegations of unpaid rent and fees.
Bailiffs from Burlington Enforcement, acting on behalf of Haslam’s company, Stags Ltd, attached a notice to the gates of Field Mill on Wednesday night, warning people not to enter.
The notice stated that “any attempt to enter these premises without the express consent of the Landlords named above will render those responsible liable to civil and/or criminal proceedings being brought against them”. It also instructed that any communication regarding the action be made via Burlington Enforcement.
This development comes as the Stags prepare to announce the successor David Holdsworth, who departed Mansfield Town by mutual consent on November 18th. The club were also struggling to be ready for a pitch inspection on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Barrow, which now looks unlikely to go ahead.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Burlington Enforcement said:
“An initial meeting was held with Mr Radford prior to which payment of the outstanding rent owed by the club was promised. The rent was, however, not paid thereby necessitating the action taken today. Stags Ltd remain willing to engage in a constructive dialogue with the club regarding the future of the stadium”.
Mr Radford was unavailable for comment.
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