Joe Sealey takeover of Silkmen edges closer

Joe Sealey’s proposed takeover of Macclesfield Town edged closer after the club’s owner said bids had now been “accepted in principle”.

Macclesfield were granted a 10th adjournment over an unpaid tax bill on Wednesday after London’s High Court heard that Amar Alkadhi intended to sell his majority stake in the club and had accepted an offer.

HM Revenue & Customs’ winding up petition – which has been backed by Macclesfield’s former manager, Sol Campbell, who is owed over £180,000 by the club – will now be reconsidered on March 25, by which time Sealey will hope to have all but sealed a deal.

Sealey, the son of former Manchester United goalkeeper Les, has been in talks with Alkadhi and his representatives over a potential buy-out for months.

A former professional footballer who was on West Ham United’s books until injury curtailed his career at 22, Sealey – who lives in nearby Alderley Edge – sold his sports management business for £13 million seven years ago and believes he can revive Macclesfield’s ailing fortunes.

Deducted six points for failing to fulfil league fixtures, Macclesfield are currently without a permanent manager following the resignation of Daryl McMahon this month and are just five points above the relegation zone.

In a statement following the club’s court appearance, Alkadhi said that “much progress” had been made since advising last month that he was in “advanced” negotiations over a sale with “various third parties”. “This is exemplified by the fact that bids have now been accepted in principle,” Alkadhi said.

“Legally, I cannot divulge any further information on these as they are subject to non-disclosure agreements which I have to respect.

“Suffice to say that every effort is being made to conclude this process in a timely manner and that I will work tirelessly with everyone concerned until the sale is complete.”