Taking £140K help fund 'wouldn't be right' – Reds chief

Stanley boss reveals reasons behind club's decision not to accept Hyndburn Council's Academy offer

- RICHARD PARTINGTON

ACCRINGTON Stanley chief Warren Eastham has revealed the reasoning behind the board’s decision to turn down a £140,000 offer from Hyndburn Council to keep the club’s Academy going.

The Reds Academy closed last month following a heated row with the council over the loss of revenue from the use of club facilities for non-matchday events.

The authority revoked the club’s entertainment licence following noise complaints from neighbours which led to Stanley owner Andy Holt accusing the council of having a “vendetta” against Stanley due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites, which were built in contravention of planning permission.

When the Reds announced they would be closing the Academy within days of the football season coming to an end last month, Hyndburn Council reacted by offering £140,000 to sustain it for the next twelve months.