Trouble Up North

A trio of National North sides are undergoing ownership issues.

Telford's second attempt at selling shares in the club has been 'disappointing' according to the club.

Just £17,700 of additional shares were purchased in the second window, and no major investor stepped forward following the abolition of ownership limits. Around 65% of the shares still remain unsold and, although technically not currently on sale, the club's Board will consider approaches.

The Board itself has advertised for reinforcements, in a week that has seen club General Manager Sharon Bowyer step down from her role due to family commitments after beginning work for the club when it was reformed.

The Shropshire side say the lack of share sales won't affect next season's budget.

Meanwhile newly relegated Southport have announced a six figure investment from an accountant and a financial advisor, both businessmen in the town. The investment comes as a second businessman claims his offer for the club was totally ignored, while the club's Board went through an unpleasant series of appointments and departures.

Former manager Liam Watson was only recently appointed to the Board but saw his appointment, and that of two others, thrown out due to limitations on the size of the Board in the club's constitution. Watson was subsequently made redundant, with current manager Andy Preece told to re-apply for his job.

Long serving chairman Charlie Clapham will step down from the club, having been a polarising figure among supporters.

Elsewhere, a surprising figure is riding to Darlington's aid.

Raj Singh, previously the chairman and owner of the liquidated Darlington club, has offered £40,000 towards next season's budget in exchange for shares in the club. The move, announced yesterday, will have to go to a vote of shareholders and has already met significant opposition due to Singh's involvement in the collapse five years ago.

A fourth National North side, newly relegated York City, have also released financial results for their final season in the Football League which report a £300,000 loss. A further similar loss is expected for the 16/17 season despite them falling straight through the fifth tier, and the club continues to rely on owner Jason McGill.

McGill's firm, JM Packaging, is now owed over £4,7million, repayable when the club's long delayed move to a new stadium - that remain in planning hell - is finally completed.