Ashford Town set for administration hearing at Royal Courts of Justice
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Ashford Town’s warring
directors Don Crosbie and Tony Betteridge head to court on
Thursday in what could be judgement day for the club’s
existence.
Mr Crosbie has petitioned for the club to go into administration
but faces stern opposition from Mr Betteridge, who holds an equal
50 per cent share, in the Royal Courts of Justice.
If Mr Crosbie’s wishes are granted,
then the club could be in a position to begin preparations for a
new season in the Kent League.
Mr Betteridge is contesting the
administration petition and feels the best way forward for the club
is to start again and he has already filed for a winding-up
order.
There are separate arguments about
who owns the freehold of the 14-acre Homelands venue.
Mr Crosbie said: "I just want the
interests of the club looked after.
"It’s been a nightmare for me and
my family over the last 18 months.
"It’s made me unwell and I’ve had
two heart attacks but I’ve never given up fighting.
"It’s not about power, it’s about
having a community club to be proud of and to take forward.
"The only thing I’m sorry for is
bringing Tony Betteridge into the football club.
"Hopefully the judge will see
exactly where we are and what has been going on."
With an equal share in the club, Mr
Crosbie admits the two men reached an "empase" and they were going
nowhere. Pressure from the Football Association meant something had
to give.
"With a 50-50 split we could never
vote on anything and couldn’t move the club forward," said Mr
Crosbie. "The FA were exasperated at the situation as much as
me."
Ashford quit the Ryman League
earlier this month and delays in the administration case could mean
their application to join the Kent League may be heard too
late.
"I will work 24/7 to make sure we
are playing football next season," he said. "If the judge rejects
the appointment of an administrator or there are objections so
severe that the judge holds over the case then we may run out of
time for playing football."
Mr Betteridge said: "I won’t
contest going into administration if Ashford appoint an independent
person to deal with the situation. That was rejected 100 per cent
(by Mr Crosbie)."
The club is currently banned by the
Football Association from playing any football as a result of
unpaid money to Ebbsfleet.
Wednesday, July 28 2010
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