A CONSORTIUM of local businessmen and supporters have only 24 hours to save historic Ryman Premier club St Albans City from being expelled from the league.
St Albans, who joined what was then the Isthmian League in 1922, owe more than £100,000 to the taxman and creditors, and face a winding-up order in the High Court on February 20 if a buyer cannot be found. The consortium aim to convince the Football Association, the league and the St Albans management that they have a viable plan to take control of the club before tomorrow's deadline.
At a meeting with the league's management committee last week, Lee Harding, the St Albans chairman and leading shareholder with 80 per cent, was unable to provide assurances that the club's financial commitments could be met.
St Albans, based at Clarence Park since 1894, will be expelled from the league by noon tomorrow if they fail to find a new backer.
Gary Roberts and joint manager Steve Cook have taken the club to seventh in the Ryman Premier this season despite the financial problems. "It's affected us all," said Roberts. "Just as the season started, the problems became evident. The budget made signing players difficult - in fact, we had to let some of our best players go."
Roberts, a former Brentford and Wales Under-21 international, said: "We haven't been paid for eight weeks. Now the players and management see the consortium as a way to save the club. The decision rests with Mr Harding."
Nick Robinson, the Ryman League secretary, said: "The management committee have given the club until mid-day on Wednesday to find a buyer or we will suspend St Albans from playing in any Ryman matches. St Albans will not be able to play until the suspension is lifted or the club is wound up."
St Albans have the full backing from the local city council while Kerry Pollard, MP for St Albans, has also lent his support.
Saturday's match against Heybridge Swifts was postponed under instructions from the league. Roberts, now a police officer in Stevenage, said: "I just hope that the people involved do what's best for St Albans City FC."
St Albans, who joined what was then the Isthmian League in 1922, owe more than £100,000 to the taxman and creditors, and face a winding-up order in the High Court on February 20 if a buyer cannot be found. The consortium aim to convince the Football Association, the league and the St Albans management that they have a viable plan to take control of the club before tomorrow's deadline.
At a meeting with the league's management committee last week, Lee Harding, the St Albans chairman and leading shareholder with 80 per cent, was unable to provide assurances that the club's financial commitments could be met.
St Albans, based at Clarence Park since 1894, will be expelled from the league by noon tomorrow if they fail to find a new backer.
Gary Roberts and joint manager Steve Cook have taken the club to seventh in the Ryman Premier this season despite the financial problems. "It's affected us all," said Roberts. "Just as the season started, the problems became evident. The budget made signing players difficult - in fact, we had to let some of our best players go."
Roberts, a former Brentford and Wales Under-21 international, said: "We haven't been paid for eight weeks. Now the players and management see the consortium as a way to save the club. The decision rests with Mr Harding."
Nick Robinson, the Ryman League secretary, said: "The management committee have given the club until mid-day on Wednesday to find a buyer or we will suspend St Albans from playing in any Ryman matches. St Albans will not be able to play until the suspension is lifted or the club is wound up."
St Albans have the full backing from the local city council while Kerry Pollard, MP for St Albans, has also lent his support.
Saturday's match against Heybridge Swifts was postponed under instructions from the league. Roberts, now a police officer in Stevenage, said: "I just hope that the people involved do what's best for St Albans City FC."
Harrow Borough goalkeeper Keita Karamoko, has been named by hosts Mali in their squad for the African Nations Cup which starts on Saturday.
George Borg's future at Aldershot is unresolved following lengthy meetings by the board who have yet to make an announcement. However, Borg is still in charge of team affairs at the Ryman Premier club.
Pressure on him has grown as their promotion quest has faltered with supporters calling for his dismissal during Aldershot's last two home games. Their scheduled fixture this Saturday is also at home, against Sutton United.
