Historic Burscough FC up for sale as chairman Chris Lloyd walks away

Oct 29 2009 by John Siddle, Ormskirk Advertiser

WEST Lancashire’s most successful football club is under threat of closure – unless a new buyer is found.

FA Trophy winners Burscough FC today face an uncertain future after owner Chris Lloyd put the club up for sale, confirming he would no longer fund the operational costs of the non-league outfit.

The Ormskirk businessman, who stood down as chairman last month citing personal reasons, issued a statement saying he had made the decision to sever links with the club “with much regret”.

A statement from Mr Lloyd read: “Following my decision to stand down from the football club for personal reasons I confirm that I will no longer be able to fund the playing side and running costs associated with the football club.

“I remain the owner of the club and have asked chief executive Nick Killeen to find an investor or new purchaser for the club.”

A makeshift ‘football group’ has been set up by officials to deal with day-to-day financial matters while a new owner is sought, using self-generated income such as gate receipts and sponsorship.

It is understood that Mr Lloyd will service the existing debts in the holding company which owns the club until new investment is found.

Chief executive Nick Killeen said: “The new football group has been formed to ensure the club can continue running over the forthcoming months, while a new owner or investor is found.

“During this period, we are going to need the help of all supporters to work with us to ensure we can carry the club forward while the issue of finding a new owner is resolved.”