Owner Akhtar insists Kettering Town NOT for sale as he outlines big plans for the club

That is the clear message from Poppies owner George Akhtar following the news this week that a consortium has made two recent bids to take over the club.

It was revealed by the Northants Telegraph on Wednesday that former player Brad Piercewright is leading a group that is trying to buy out Akhtar and take control at Latimer Park.

But Akhtar, while admitting he has 'received a number of enquiries' with regards to buying the club, he has now responded with an unequivocal message that he will not be selling - and that he is going nowhere.

Akhtar insists he is fully focused on building on his first two successful years at the helm, and that he is already focusing on giving manager Liam McDonald the tools to achieve promotion from National League North next season.

The Poppies owner issued a very clear statement on the club's website, that also revealed that the intention is to install a 4G pitch at Latimer Park, and that negotiations are ongoing to try and move the club back in the town of Kettering.

"Following recent speculation in both the press and on social media, I want to make a clear and unequivocal statement, to all fans, interested parties and sponsors, to confirm the club is not for sale," said Akhtar.

"As with last year, I have received a number of enquiries with regard to the club and potential offers.

"I have given time to meet and listen to any individual that make this approach but my response has been consistent throughout, the club is not for sale as we are building something special for its future.

"These approaches have been made due to the attractiveness of the club and the success that we have seen over the past two years since I took ownership.

"A great FA Cup run and back-to-back play offs has raised our profile, and while we have not been successful in promotion, that remains the target for the coming season.

"We have an excellent manager and a strong playing squad which will be strengthened over pre-season in readiness to help us achieve this goal."

On the possibility of changing the playing surface at Latimer Park, and in the long term finding a new home in Kettering itself, Akhtar added: "We are in discussion with local authorities regarding a longer term home for the club within Kettering.

"But we will not stop investing for success in the meantime.

"The installation of a 4G pitch will ensure the postponed matches and fixture build up we saw last year will not be repeated.

"We will also be investing in new floodlights, a brand new exciting Fan Zone and the Poppies Bar, Community Centre and Café will also see improvements.

"Expanding the management committee is also being undertaken to enable a wider commercial perspective as the club grows.

"Our commercial relationships and our sponsors are aligned in that both stability and continuity is needed and we are grateful for their continued, unwavering support."

And to finish, he added: "Kettering Town Football Club is an historic, proud club based on community values and with the fans at its heart.

"A club planning for the future. A club that is driven to succeed. A club that is stable both on and off the pitch. A club investing in the community and its fans.

"So I reiterate again, that I have no intention to sell but instead to drive this club forward to reach our goals.

"This is a constant message that will be the focus for myself and management committee as we move through pre-season towards another exciting campaign."