THE proposed takeover of Chester City by Merseyside-based businessman Gary Metcalf was in limbo last night following discussions between the property developer and City’s current majority shareholder Stephen Vaughan.
Metcalf stated at a media conference last Friday that he hoped to finalise negotiations at the beginning of this week, however, that time scale has now been and gone.
City’s chief executive Bob Gray said last night: “Nothing is signed, sealed and delivered yet. Mr Vaughan and Mr Metcalf have had discussions again, the talks are ongoing but I understand nothing has been agreed.”
Metcalf stated on Friday that he was to hold a meeting with the PFA on Monday, in an attempt to start the process of having City’s transfer embargo lifted, however Gray confirm-ed that the meeting didn’t take place. He said: “The meeting with the PFA didn’t happen, I am not sure why, but I can confirm that it didn’t take place.”
The uncertainty over Chester’s ownership and the unfortunate state of limbo that the beleaguered club finds itself in indicates that much-needed playing reinforcements won’t be brought to the relegation-threatened outfit prior to tomorrow night’s closure of the temporary loan transfer window.
In another development last night, City’s veteran midfield player Tony Dinning agreed to join Blue Square North club Gateshead on a month’s loan.
Dinning had spent the previous month with Grays Athletic, but that loan agreement wasn’t renewed by the Essex club.
Tickets for Saturday’s all-ticket match against Bradford City are still on sale at the Deva Stadium offices from 10am until 7pm today and tomorrow, and between 10am and 4pm on Friday.
