Hatters enlist Council Support

Stockport County have been in talks with their local council to see if their relationship could become "closer and mutually beneficial" according to the Hatters chief executive Mark Maquire.

Maquire has also admitted, to the Manchester Evening News, that administration is less likely following the sale to Huddersfield of Anthony Pilkington.

"Administration is further from the truth than it was two weeks ago, and has got even less likely," said Maquire.

"We have a strong relationship with the Inland Revenue.

"This all came about because we said it was necessary to sell players in the transfer window.

"That has happened with Anthony Pilkington and that has taken us nearer where we want to be."

As regards the meetings with the council Maquire said they were exploring every option in these difficult times.

"Our duty is to try as much as possible to protect our fantastic squad of players if there are alternative ways of making the business go forward," he added.

"We would be failing our duty as directors if we didn't explore every option.

"The meeting came about having spoken to at least half a dozen other clubs about how they have a more active relationship with their councils."

Stockport council leader Coun Dave Goddard said: "County have not directly asked the council for money, we are looking at a whole range of options. We are not ruling anything in or out.

"We value Stockport County in the borough, their promotion last season was tremendous for the town."

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