THE future of Halesowen Town FC is in serious doubt today after being hit by a string of disasters.

After one of the most calamitous weeks in its long history the club is now in administration, mired in legal battles and facing at least a ten point penalty from the league.

The club, which is already banned from the FA Trophy and the FA Cup due to unpaid footballing debts, could even be demoted two divisions if the legality of the Yeltz going into administration has not been done properly.

Belle Vale councillor Bob James, who sits on The Grove Trust Board which leases the ground to the club, said: “We need to know what the league thinks of all this and whether the name Halesowen Town Football Club can be used now the club has gone into administration. We don’t even know if we will have points docked or even if we will be able to play in the league.”

The Yeltz, who are thought to be nearly £500,000 in debt, were placed into administration at the High Court at 3.47pm on Monday after blaming a ‘vexatious’ former employee for pursuing them for money.

It has emerged this is Ian Hipkiss, the club’s former groundsman, who is chasing £7,500 in unpaid wages.

Gary Pettit and Alan Price, from Northamptonshire based firm Marshman Price, have been appointed joint administrators.

Mr Pettit said: “The appointment was made at a time when the club was under the real threat of winding up proceedings from a particularly determined creditor.

“Furthermore, no funds were available and to ensure the club could meet its commitments, the wages needed to be paid.

“A meeting of creditors, when further details of events leading up to administration and to consider the administrators’ proposals, will be convened in due course.”

“Needless to say, steps have been taken that should preserve future football at The Grove.”

However, the club already has a buyer which is linked to Morell Maison.

A new company Halesowen Town FC 1873 Ltd has been registered at Companies House and are believed to have agreed to buy the club.

Graham Ingram, the brother of multi-millionaire American-based businessman Godfrey Ingram, is listed as a director.

Despite several attempts at trying to contact Mr Ingram concerning the future of club there has been no comment whether Morell Maison will be part of the new team.