JOHN Batchelor, the controversial former owner of York City, says he is not part of the consortium aiming to buy the Northwich Vics site at Wincham.
But the colourful figure has been involved in talks with Vics owner Jim Rushe and watched recent Northwich games, including those against York City and Mansfield, a club he tried to buy earlier this year.
The sale, says Rushe, “is no further advanced” than it was last week.
He said then he had expected the deal to be completed within days.
Batchelor took York into administration and is a hate figure among fans who reckon he allegedly made money from his association with the club.
Supporters at Mansfield campaigned against him buying their club, whom he wanted to rename Harchester after the Sky TV football programme.
In an interview with noted journalist David Conn, he admitted: “I do asset strip.”
Batchelor told the Chronicle: “I am interested in getting back into football, but I have no involvement with the consortium.”
Rushe said: “When the names of the consortium are revealed John’s will not be among them.
“I have sole control of Northwich Vics and I will not sign up to anything where Vics will suffer.
“Anyone can buy the land, so I would rather work with a consortium and have some control.”
Mike Connett is believed to be asking just over £3m for the nine acres he acquired from administrators Begbies Traynor for £250,000 five years ago.
The plan is for the consortium to develop the land, while receiving rent from Vics, who in turn would take over the catering rights now owned by Connett. Eventually they could buy the stadium.
