Hednesford Town FC owner Steve Price selling up after 20 years at club

The 69-year-old has agreed the sale of the Pitmen to two businessmen from the area, according to a statement from the club tonight.

Price is set to work with the prospective new owners during the remainder of the current season to ensure a smooth transition for the Southern Central Premier club. The club confirmed: "It is with pleasure that Hednesford Town FC have agreed a deal in principle, subject to legal completion, with two local businessmen to secure the future of HTFC and its football moving forward.

"It is agreed that during the interim period between now and the end of the season, whilst the legal processes are being completed, the current and future owners will work hand in hand to facilitate the transfer of ownership to ensure the smooth running of the club.

"Further updates and statements will follow towards the end of the season."

No indication was given of the identity of the buyers.The Pitmen currently sit in in 13th place in the table after being one of the early-season front-runners in the division. Former boss Gary Hayward left the club earlier this season, reportedly after the playing budget was cut, to be replaced by caretaker player-managers Danny Glover and Ben Bailey. Price has been a director of the club since 1999 but in March last year agreed to hand over the day-to-day running of the Keys Park club to be run by a consortium of club officials, supporters and businessmen.

That followed a controversial takeover bid from mobile phone app OWNAFC, which wanted its users to be able to have a say in the running of the club from signings to the hiring and firing of staff.

Members would have paid £49 to have their say - but the venture collapsed shortly afterwards.