Scunthorpe United agree takeover with a local businesswoman taking over the crisis-hit club… after previous owner David Hilton withdrew funding

• Businesswoman Michelle Harness has agreed a deal to take over Scunthorpe 
• Harness previously served as the club’s commercial manager over 15 years 
• Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’

Scunthorpe United have confirmed the club has been taken over by local businesswoman Michelle Harness after a deal was agreed with outgoing owner David Hilton.

The future of the National League North side had been plunged into doubt last week with Hilton announcing that he would withdraw funding.

Hilton, who only bought Scunthorpe in January, had announced earlier in September that he was putting the club up for sale.

The announcement came with the club building a ‘significant amount of debt’ and being locked in ‘ongoing legal battles costing thousands each month’.

Hilton, who has become an unpopular figure at Glanford Park since his takeover, had controversially attempted to ban dissenting fans from the stadium.

 Scunthorpe United have been taken over by local businesswoman Michelle Harness

Harness agreed to take over the club from Scunthorpe’s former owner David Hilton (pictured) 

Scunthorpe have confirmed that current club director Harness has taken over the club, having formerly served as the club’s commercial manager from 2000 to 2015.

‘I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the transaction, especially David Hilton,’ Harness said in a club statement.

‘There are a lot of challenges and problems to overcome, but David has taken no fee for the club, and wiped all monies that he personally invested to enable this deal to happen. 

‘I wish him and his family all the best for the future, and I hope he finds some peace away from football.

‘I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of Simon Elliott, who has massively assisted in getting this deal over the line. 

‘There is now a lot of work to do behind the scenes to get our great football club back on track, and that work starts immediately with the fantastic team we have working for us, starting with the appointment of a new board.’

Harness, who is a director of the Scunthorpe-based structural steelwork company North Lincs Structures, joined the club’s board back in July.

The club are reportedly in talks with their former owner Peter Swann to stay at Glanford Park 

Scunthorpe are currently fourth in National League North after 10 matches this season

The Iron are currently facing two winding-up petitions including one from HRMC, as well as stadium issues around Glanford Park.

Scunthorpe’s former owner Peter Swann still owns the ground through his company Coolsilk, with a dispute leading to Hilton announcing last week the club would complete the season at Gainsborough Trinity’s ground.

Gainsborough Trinity have since said Scunthorpe’s statement was released without their ‘knowledge or consent.

According to BBC Radio Humberside, talks are ongoing between the club and Swann over an agreement that would to enable them to continue playing at Glanford Park.

Scunthorpe are currently fourth in the National League North, after earning 18 points from 10 games.

The Iron, who saw a 72-year spell in the Football League end in 2022, are two points off leaders Tamworth.

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