'Support Poppies' plea from consortium looking to take control at Kettering Town
A new statement penned by the consortium wishing to take over the reins at Kettering Town is urging fans to remain respectful towards current owner George Akhtar, telling supporters to get behind the club - whoever is in charge.
After Monday evening's public meeting hosted by Brad Piercewright and attended by Poppies fans, social media on both club and Northants Telegraph platforms has seen fervent debate with threats of boycotts and withholding money from the club, and putting unwarranted pressure on Akhtar to accept an offer from the interested buyer.
The club have yet to comment on the claims made by Piercewright on Monday, but the comments made by some supporters will certainly have a negative impact on the club's immediate ability to challenge in the league next season and on any future takeover talks.
Piercewright stated that an offer of £450,000 in on the table to purchase the club, while offering Akhtar a place on his management team to keep him involved with the club.
The statement, which was signed-off by all members of the consortium reads: "We appreciate the support shown on Monday evening when the meeting was held which set out the current position and opportunity on the table.
"Whilst I am not on various social media platforms, I am aware that some posts are focussed on more disruptive measures.
"As stressed on Monday, at no point do we encourage or support any negativity towards George and the club in its current guise.
"The biggest and most important element of the club remains the fans, and we are wholeheartedly behind supporting the club on and off the pitch.
“The offer on the table has never been about personalities or individuals, what has been achieved in the last two years is genuinely credit to George and the amazing support network of volunteers and individuals that work hard to ensure the club performs well.
"This has always been about the future and sustainable ambition that has been set out should the current owner choose to accept the offer in place, keeping the club united and focussed is essential as the lifeblood of the club.
“At the heart of these plans is the club and what we see as a future opportunity, so I ask that we get behind the club, continuing the positive support and encourage season tickets to be purchased, new shirts obtained and ensure that the club remains the focus and not the off-pitch discussions.
"As a consortium we are committed to next steps and follow up discussions and we remain passionate about Kettering Town FC.
"That won’t change, so let’s keep the conversations positive, the posts supportive and work towards a successful football club that we can all get behind."