David Hilton, formerly the chairman of Ilkeston Town, has completed the takeover of the struggling Scunthorpe United.
Former Scunthorpe owner Peter Swann had been trying to sell the club after the club were relegated from the Football League for the first time in 72 years and currently sit bottom of the National League.
The news was met by widespread dismay from Ilkeston Town fans, who are happy with what Hilton has done for their club.
Ilkeston fan @PaulSkillington said on Twitter: “Arise sir David Hilton, you did it mate, you helped preserve this and all the passion and history that goes with it, they are truly blessed to have you.”
User @GrahamD said: “This bloke has done so much for this club and I wish him nothing but the best.”
In a statement on Ilkeston Town’s website, Hilton said on his departure: “I’m completely comfortable leaving the club in the condition that it is now, I’ve delivered all my promises and finally you have a club that can sustain at a good level without the risk of losing it”
“Andrew Nally will now step up and be solely responsible for the running of the club,” Hilton continued.
Despite being popular amongst Ilkeston fans, Hilton has work to do if he want to change the fortunes of Scunthorpe.
New chairman @andy_nally has issued a statement to Robins fans after taking the helm this week.
🔴⚪⚫ #OneTownOneClub pic.twitter.com/VSw2tPesHt
— Ilkeston Town FC (@ilkestontown_fc) January 26, 2023
Since being relegated from League Two, the Irons haven’t seen improvements as they currently sit eight points off safety in the National League, making regional football a realistic possibility next season.
The club has also been served with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs over an alleged unpaid tax bill, prompting a protest by fans on the pitch recently in opposition to Peter Swann’s leadership.
On his takeover of Scunthorpe, Hilton said: “I’m pleased to say the deal has now been completed… the first job I’ve got to do over the next 48 hours is settle the winding-up petition with HMRC, which will help us get out of the transfer embargo we’re under, so we can bring some bodies in and strengthen the squad”.
Scunthorpe fans will be hoping that Hill’s tenure can be as successful as his time at Ilkeston so that the club can be turned around.
Meanwhile, Ilkeston fans will be waiting to see what exactly happens with the club and hope that stability is retained.
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