New owner agrees Wakefield deal

Wakefield’s financial troubles look to be over after Spirit of 1873 Ltd confirmed it has reached an agreement to buy the club with official administrators O’Hara’s.

A  club statement read: “The deal, which is subject to the RFL’s final written confirmation that Andrew Glover passes their “fit and proper person” test, will secure the Wildcats’ long-term future and give this historic Club a fresh start under Spirit of 1873’s ownership.  At the core of our plans is securing the financial stability which will allow us to support the team on the field and give our loyal fans the experience and success they deserve.  The terms of the agreement will see the Club playing at its long-time Belle Vue home in 2011.

“Right now everyone’s focus, across the Company and the Club, is on this weekend.  Along with all the traveling supporters we will be at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium tomorrow cheering on John Kear and the squad in their 5pm match against Castleford Tigers, as the Super League season kicks-off with the Magic Weekend spectacular.

“A number of details still need to be finalised and we have a lot to do to get started, but we will make further announcements shortly to provide you with more information about the Company and the way we are looking to run the Club.  However, Spirit of 1873 re-confirms that, as set out in its 1 February press release, under the deal agreed today all existing memberships, season tickets and sponsorship deals will be honoured for the coming season.

“We are looking forward to working closely with our Club’s famously loyal fans, the wider Wakefield community and all our sponsors and supporters to build a stable, commercially viable and successful future for this great Club.

“We urge everyone to join us in backing John, the players, Spirit of 1873’s team and, indeed, everyone at the Club to achieve those goals – remember, together we are stronger!”