ILKESTON have been wound up for the second time in seven years in the high court after a season of problems both on and off the pitch.
Ilkeston FC, formed in 2010 to replace the liquidated Ilkeston Town, weren’t allowed to begin last season after having their Evo-Stik NPL license withdrawn due to unpaid creditors.
The Robins eventually sorted out that problem and were allowed to play but they endured a difficult campaign on the pitch, finishing second bottom of the NPL Premier.
However, they won’t be playing next season after the club was wound up in court on Monday morning following a petition brought by Hire Intelligence Ltd over a debt of £14,438, as reported by the Ilkeston Advertiser’s Mark Duffy.
Players and staff hadn’t been paid since December but the club had hoped that a takeover by All Eight Sports Management, which they announced was close on Monday morning before the court hearing, would solve their problems.
Prior to the court’s decision, an All Eight Sports Management statement read: “Our objective to build a sustainable future for Ilkeston FC and we are looking forward to working with the loyal supporters and volunteers to ensure that their views are heard and taken onboard.
“The minute the deal is confirmed officially we will immediately be in contact with creditors, players and fan groups to discuss our proposals.”
District Judge Smedley, despite the takeover claims, decided it was too little, too late and wound the club up. Chairman Nigel Harrop says he plans to appeal the decision.
