The Mirror has published an in-depth article looking into the 'civil war' raging at National League North newcomers Scunthorpe United.
Scunthorpe United played in League Two in 2013. Picture: Leagvagueonthehow/Flickr
Numerous off-the-field issues and multiple relegations over recent years have seen a painful descent from the Football League to non-league's second tier.
Just 12 years ago, the Northern Lincolnshire-based side found themselves near the top of the football pyramid, competing in the Championship. In 2017 and 2018, the Iron came close to a lucrative return but twice lost out in the League One play-offs.
A downward spiral began with subsequent relegations, prompting owner Peter Swann to actively seek a buyer for the struggling club which was losing millions each season.
In 2021, Swann transferred ownership of the Glanford Park ground to his company Coolsilk in exchange for £11m worth of loans that he had put into the club.
Things took a turn for the worse this January when an unpaid tax bill saw HMRC issue the club with a winding-up petition.
Fortunately, in the same month David Hilton, a Nottingham businessman, arrived as the new owner, offering renewed hope for a brighter future as the crowds returned and positivity grew.
However, this soon ignited a contentious ‘civil war’ between the former and current owner, primarily revolving around the agreed-upon deal for the club’s land and ground.
As a result, the club’s future at Glanford Park has become uncertain, marked by an upcoming court case and allegations of the club 'trespassing' on the premises.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, both parties have shared their views on the matter, aiming to offer some transparency amid a vacuum of reliable information which has left them to fight it out on social media and message boards.