NORTHWICH Vics are days away from finding out if they can play football again at the Marston’s Arena.

Club owner Jim Rushe told the Chronicle that his £1.5m bid for the ground has been accepted and that he is waiting to hear whether his consortium are the new owners.

Rushe is bidding to buy the Wincham stadium alongside two unnamed local businessmen.

But administrators Deloitte, who have seized the ground from former chairman Mike Connett’s company Beaconet, have not yet confirmed whether the sale of the ground can go through.

Rushe said: “Everything has gone in with regards the finance, the bid has been accepted by Deloitte. I am really looking to get it all finished.

“I am chasing it myself, I would like to get things moving but it is in hands of the solicitors now.”

Furious Vics supporters staged a protest outside the locked gates of the stadium on Monday, calling for the head of Connett (see front page).

He was seen driving to the ground before doing a U-turn on seeing the crowd and the Sky Sports cameras, which were there to film Rushe about the situation.

Vics are still locked out and Rushe and club president Derek Nuttall are banned from entering the premises.

“I can’t get through the gate!” said Rushe. “He told me and Derek Nuttall that we are not welcome. I think he’s banned just about everyone from Northwich Vics from going in there.”

Connett’s firm Beaconet may be wound- up this afternoon (Wednesday) at a hearing in London. The original hearing was adjourned two weeks ago, sparking a clear-out operation of various items at the ground, orchestrated by Connett.

The sale of the ground needs to be finalised by Saturday, February 7 when Vics are due to play their next home game against Ebbsfleet United.

Otherwise Vics will be forced to find another temporary home which would prove expensive. They had to move their home clash with Histon on January 17 to Altrincham.

Rivals Witton Albion are the most logical choice while Chester City and Macclesfield Town have also been rumoured to be considered.

This Saturday, Vics head to Woking for a Blue Square Premier clash (3pm) that was scheduled to be played at home. Fortunately, Woking allowed the game to be switched as Vics have not played at the Kingfield Stadium yet this season.

Vics, who are still rooted to the bottom of the Conference, faced Dean Saunders’ Wrexham last night at the Racecourse Ground.

For a match report of Vics’ clash with the Dragons, visit our website at www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk