Northern Premier League side Ilkeston Chair Nigel Harrop insisted a pending takeover "could yet save" the club from liquidation, according to the BBC. Harrop plans to "appeal against a High Court winding-up order," issued on Monday, to "push ahead with a deal with All Eight Sports Management." Harrop said, "If this is enforced and A8 pull out, creditors stand no chance of getting their money." An hour before the hearing at the High Court in Liverpool began, Harrop announced an "agreement in principle" had been reached with All Eight Sports Management. However, his plea for more time to settle a £14,438 ($18,616) debt owed to an office equipment hire firm was rejected by the court. After the ruling, Harrop said, "Should this [the takeover] go through, all the creditors will get sorted out." He believes the current club can "avoid a similar fate" to predecessor Ilkeston Town, which was liquidated in '10. Harrop added, "They clearly stated that as soon as they take over they will meet the existing creditors and come to an arrangement with them" (BBC, 6/6).
