Town is put up for sale (From Barry And District News)

Town is put up for sale

Barry Town Football Club is up for sale.

Club owner and chairman Stuart Lovering said he has been approached by a number of parties interested in buying the club - which he says has "no debt".

But the club still owes the council around £40,000 in pitch rental - a debt that resulted in the team being ousted from their long-term home of Jenner Park last season.

Mr Lovering, who "stepped in and saved the club" for a price of £125,000 in December 2003, when the club was in its year of administration, said a sale would need to be completed swiftly to "minimise instability".

He said: "Barry Town FC is therefore openly put on the market with a view to a quick sale to a responsible new owner.

"Barry Town FC includes a large clubhouse overlooking the Jenner Park stadium, with substantial wet sales of about £5,000 a week plus extra revenue from machines.

"The club is in need of refurbishment, but offers huge potential to further multiply revenue."

Barry Town FC has enjoyed many triumphs over the years, and has been one of the most successful teams in the Welsh Premiership.

The club has won many titles and has competed successfully in competitions at home and abroad - including the famous 3-1 victory over Porto four years ago.

But two years ago, the club went into administration having incurred debts of around £1 million.

And shortly afterwards, the team were relegated to Division One, Barry Town's lowest position since 1960.

The bad news continued when the Vale council stopped the club from playing in its historic home of Jenner Park after a dispute over pitch rental - which was set by an independent auditor at a rate disputed by Mr Lovering.

The issue remains unsettled.

To add salt to the owner's wounds, Barry FC (The Linnets) - the community club set up by former members of Barry Town Supporters Club - were granted the right to use the ground instead this season, along with the Cadoxton Cons.

Mr Lovering would not say who the bidders are, or disclose his estimation of what the club is worth.