‘Huge effort’ to rescue Hednesford Town from football abyss

Club volunteers and staff, though, are working around the clock to find a resolution prior to an unspecified deadline from the Football Association after new owner Gary Hartland pulled out of his takeover bid. The failed takeover left the historic Keys Park club staring into the abyss, but it has now been said the situation is “much more hopeful” after “furious” work over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Club secretary and board member Terry McMahon posted on Twitter: “There is a huge effort under way to rescue the club, I am not at liberty to give details as there are conditions that need to be met for the football authorities against a deadline. This is in the hands of other individuals. The position is much more hopeful than on Thursday.

“I can assure you though that I am doing absolutely everything I can for the club, its staff, sponsors and supporters.”

McMahon, who explained a “radio silence” was to help avoid misinterpretation and potential legal consequences, added: “There was a plan in progress that would have secured the club for a generation, with an extremely bright future. It was a shock when it all fell over this week. Plan B is in progress, Friday/Saturday saw furious activity, I am hopeful.”

Hayden Dando, meanwhile, one of the co-owners who alongside Graham Jones are selling the club, took to social media to clarify questions that had been raised.

Dando insisted “we have not asked for a penny for the club, it was to be sold for £1...which includes the name, licence to play.”

He strongly refuted the club had received a penny in any so-called ‘Covid loan’ before going on to add: “Nobody knows why the new owner (Hartland) pulled out and that includes ourselves, as he sent a very simple email that said he was no longer continuing with the purchase. Only he can answer he reasons why.”

Dando added the debt-free club is still available for £1 as the Pitmen desperately seek a future.