THE former Halesowen Town groundsman blamed for the club entering administration has revealed he has the backing of the fans.

On Monday the club released a statement claiming ‘a vexatious former employee of the company’ had forced the company to go bankrupt by starting court proceedings.

The News can now reveal that Ian Hipkiss, who gave a job up at Walsall FC to work for his beloved Yeltz, is owed over £7,500 by the club in unpaid wages.

He said: “I know what has been said by the club about me over the last few days but I have been delighted with the reaction of the fans. People have been very supportive of me and understand the position I am in and what has gone on this year.

“Halesowen Town is a family club where everyone knows everyone and getting so much support has really meant a lot to me.”

Ian left his job at Walsall FC after receiving assurances from club boss Morell Maison about Halesowen Town’s long term plans.

Ian, a former ball boy whose father works on the turnstiles and mother is a volunteer at the club, said: “I am a big fan and live only 50 yards away from the ground so after speaking to Morell and all the promises he made I decided to join last September.

“The first three months were great but then I stopped being paid. I have been through hell this year. I have not been able to pay my mortgage payments and put food on the table.”

He added: “I am owed over £7,500 in unpaid wages and can not really say much more because it is in the hands of the solicitor at the moment.”

Ian is also taking the club to a tribunal for constructive dismissal due to the unpaid wages.

He said: “I have not had a pay slip since January and just could not carry on anymore.”

However, Ian left the club in August and has managed to move on with his life.

He said: “I start a job on October 1 at Perry Barr dog track which is great news for me because I know the wages will be in the bank.”