Pic: Mike Capps
ILKESTON have been charged with failing to fulfil their fixtures after they were suspended from the Evo-Stik NPL Premier for failing to pay creditors.
The Robins’ licence to play in the Step 3 division was revoked just before the start of the season and their opening four games against Stafford Rangers, Whitby Town, Stourbridge and Spennymoor Town were all postponed.
The Derbyshire outfit are in debt to other clubs, former players and previous employees and the league say they have no evidence of Ilkeston paying their creditors.
The club’s suspension remains in place and they have now been charged for not playing their opening fixtures with the Northern Premier League set to hear the charges on Wednesday, August 31.
A league statement said: “Ilkeston FC were advised that continued failure to supply evidence of payments being made to football and other creditors including the league would result in the suspension of the licence.
“The decision to suspend Ilkeston FC’s licence was subsequently taken by the board of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.
“In order for the league’s board to review this decision, supporting evidence relating to payments made are required from the club. To date, none has been received despite several requests.
“Consequently, the club’s licence remains suspended and, in accordance with FA rules, Ilkeston FC, has therefore been charged under league rule 8.6 with three counts of failing to fulfill a fixture.”
Under pressure Ilkeston CEO Nigel Harrop said last week that their suspension from the NPL Premier is down to the fact that they’ve been bombarded after it was discovered they are due around £300,000 from Che Adams’ transfer from Sheffield United to Birmingham City.
Harrop, who has angered fans with his running of the club, says the situation is “very tricky” and confirmed Ilkeston are still attempting to rectify things.
“I understand the fans’ frustration on the lack of any clear information from us on the matter,” Harrop said. “Our lawyers have made it clear to me that if I went to give the details of the unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in, I could be the subject of legal proceedings.
“We hope that this can be sorted out to everyone’s satisfaction as soon as possible so we can go back to playing football – which is what the club and fans want more than anything.”
