Scunthorpe United: New owner found
Local businesswoman Michelle Harness has been named as the club's new owner.
Last updated 4th Oct 2023
Scunthorpe United's search for an owner is over, with local businesswoman Michelle Harness replacing David Hilton. Michelle is a current Director of the club, and was the Iron's Commercial Manager for over 15 years.
She said: "I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the transaction, especially David Hilton. There are a lot of challenges and problems to overcome, but David has taken no fee for the club, and wiped all monies that he personally invested to enable this deal to happen.
"I wish him and his family all the best for the future, and I hope he finds some peace away from football."
It follows a turbulent few weeks for Scunthorpe United, as the club faced winding up orders, former owner David Hilton put the club up for sale and then announced that he would be pulling out of the club altogether.
Neither players nor staff were paid for the month of September, with Scunthorpe United fans stepping in to raise over £60,000 for staff through a GoFundMe page. David Hilton left under a cloud, with several fans claiming they received banning orders for criticising him, all the while an FA investigation awaits the former owner.
Due to an ongoing dispute with Coolsilk who own the club's stadium, Saturday's game against Brackley was set to be their last at Glanford Park. There is currently no confirmation that the new ownership will allow the club to remain at the ground.
Michelle Harness said: "There is now a lot of work to do behind the scenes to get our great football club back on track, and that work starts immediately with the fantastic team we have working for us, starting with the appointment of a new board."