Club sale agreed but team fear for home

A sale has been agreed in principle for Willenhall Town Football Club's ground, but it is not yet known if the club can stay at its Noose Lane home.

Mike Allwood, of property specialists Andrew and Ashwell, said: "A sale has been agreed but at this stage the party wants to stay anonymous. It will now have to go through the legal process."

The freehold lease for the ground and its buildings was put up for sale in September sparking fears The Lockmen could lose their home of 34 years. Receivers were brought in over a £60,000 debt owed to landowner Marston's in May.

The Northern Premier League Division One club was handed a reprieve to allow time to pay back the money but it failed to raise enough cash.

Four private bids were tabled before Christmas for the freehold and Marston's was asked to whittle it down to one buyer which it has now done.

Acting chairman of the club Ian Bridgen said: "They are not telling us who it is yet, it is all being kept close to their chest at the moment. It has been confidential and we will have to wait to find out who is buying it."

Mr Bridgen added: "We are hoping whoever buys it will be sympathetic towards us and let us stay."