Lack of certainty off the field is ruining Poppies' hopes on
Imraan Ladak believes the uncertainty over Kettering Town's future is affecting their chances on the field.
As the club prepare for the huge FA Cup clash with Leeds United this weekend, Ladak revealed in an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph that he now believes there is no hope of keeping the club within the borough of Kettering.
And he feels off-field problems were part of the reason manager Mark Cooper and star defender Exodus Geohaghon left to join Peterborough United.
New boss Lee Harper has seen his squad ripped apart and has overseen two home defeats in the Blue Square Premier after the Poppies had seemed destined for a title challenge.
The arrival of Yorkshire giants Leeds in front of the ITV cameras on Sunday will once again place Kettering on the footballing map.
But Ladak admits his new manager is having to work under difficult circumstances.
"We are playing Leeds United live on television in the second round of the FA Cup this weekend and that is on the back of some incredible success in the league and cups over the last two years," Ladak said.
"Really we should be very excited.
"But unfortunately, because of Kettering Borough Council and their lack of understanding about the football club and its importance to the community, we find ourselves in a position where the future of the club is being threatened.
"Since the council have made their feelings clear, the short-term effect to the club has been devastating.
"We have lost our manager, we have lost Exodus Geohaghon as a direct result of losing our manager and we are unable to attract quality replacements because of the problem we have got.
"Lee has been handicapped early on through no fault of his own.
"It would be wrong of the club to be offering contracts that we don't feel are possible to sustain in the long-term.
"It would be morally wrong, not to mention illegal.
"We are in a very difficult position and I feel it's because of the council and no-one else.
"It's really hard for me because over the last four years, Kettering has become my club as a fan. It affects my happiness.
"It is gut-wrenching for me and what has happened has affected me as an owner and as a fan. It's painful for me, the supporters and everyone else at the club."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kettering
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
