Council comments on loan funding bid for Chesterfield FC takeover

However the outcome will be subject to the council’s call-in procedures, which means that the decision cannot be implemented until five calendar days have elapsed without a call-in being invoked, a council spokesperson said.

If a call-in is actioned, this means the council’s overview and scrutiny committee will consider whether the cabinet should be asked to review its decision.

The council’s cabinet meeting takes place on July 14 at 10.30am.

The agenda for the meeting lists the item as ‘Chesterfield Football Club - request for loan assistance’ but no more information is given as it is ‘restricted’ because it is related to the financial and business affairs of the council.

Members of the public will not be allowed to listen to the discussions and will be asked to leave the room, which is normal procedure for restricted matters.

A Chesterfield Borough Council spokesperson said: “I can confirm that Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust has approached Chesterfield Borough Council for loan support to enable the trust to acquire Chesterfield Football Club.

“The council’s cabinet will meet next Tuesday to consider a detailed report on the matter.

“As the report contains information relating to the financial and business affairs of the club and trust, the council’s cabinet will meet in private and the council’s decision will be made public Tuesday afternoon.”

If the cabinet gives it the green light, we understand it would mean the community trust has enough funds in place to purchase the club from majority shareholder Dave Allen and will likely take over at the end of the month.

Along with the borough council, we understand there is at least one other local authority, believed to be Derbyshire County Council, also involved in providing funds for the takeover.

If successful it would bring an end to Mr Allen’s 11-year involvement in the club.

The trust is the charitable arm of Chesterfield FC and works closely with the club but is independent.