Blackpool Panthers rugby league club looking for rescue

Bosses of the Blackpool Panthers rugby league club are holding meetings with interested parties who may be able to rescue the club after it had to call in administrators.

The Championship One club has struggled with its finances since chairman, Bobby Hope, resigned in June, despite a string of on-pitch successes that saw them come within one match of the promotion play-off final last month.

The Panthers are said to owe a considerable sum - estimated to be in the region of £60,000 - to the Inland Revenue. The current chairman, John Chadwick, said they have notified the Rugby Football League already and were optimistic that something could be worked out.

"This is a sad day," he said. "The crowds have never picked up despite our steady improvement in the league. There are individuals, however, who would be interested in possibly forming a new company and meetings will be held as soon as possible."

The club had invested heavily this year in new players, as part of a concerted effort to win promotion. Financial irregularities, however, saw them docked 10 points by the Rugby Football League.

The club joins a handful of clubs who have suffered similar punishments including Widnes, Doncaster, Rochdale and Gateshead, while Whitehaven has also fallen into administration.

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