Fears raised over ‘asset strip’ takeover bid at Featherstone Rovers
A number of groups are reportedly interesting in a takeover at Featherstone
Councillors have been “inundated” with concerns from Featherstone Rovers fans about potential new owners “asset stripping” the town’s rugby league club, a meeting heard.
Rovers were barred from competing in the Championship this season after entering administration in December amid mounting debts.
Parties interested in buying Featherstone have until September to put a bid together, to ensure the club can compete next season.
Featherstone councillor Scott Haslam sought assurances from Wakefield Council leaders as he raised fans’ concerns at a full council meeting.
He said: “We have been inundated with some concerns from Featherstone Rovers fans about a bid to take over the assets of the club
“Normally this would be welcome, but there are concerns that this rumoured bid has the intention to asset strip and regenerate that area.”
The Labour councillor said the move would be “contrary to the views” of people in the town.
Coun Haslam asked Jack Hemingway, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth: “Will you confirm what your view is on all of that, and that all will be done to ensure the right bid is favoured, and any asset stripping attempts will be vehemently opposed.”
Coun Hemingway replied that it was “a worrying time for all fans.”
He said: “We know that the situation with the club and the administrators is still being worked through.
“The council is very much trying to help behind the scenes to facilitate that process and to safeguard the interests of the people of Featherstone.”
Coun Hemingway said a “number of bidders” had expressed an interest in the club through the administrators.
He added: “I’m not going to make comments as to whether they are asset strippers.
“But we absolutely want to protect the club assets, to make sure that any phoenix club that wants to rise to bring Featherstone rugby league back to life will be able to do so, and will be in a financial position to do so.”
Coun Hemingway said the council had previously supported the district’s professional clubs through its rugby league resilience fund.
He said: “There are still funds available for Featherstone through that and we are prepared to step in and help, should the need arise.
“So, just to give you that assurance, we are working behind the scenes to do what we can to help secure the future of rugby league in Featherstone.”In January, the Rugby Football League (RFL) confirmed that Rovers had not been granted membership of the organisation or entry into the 2026 Championship.
A statement said: “The club fell into administration in December and the one submission received to take ownership of the club has not met the required governance criteria and RFL membership has been denied.
“The RFL will continue to work with the administrator and remains committed to supporting a sustainable return of professional rugby league in the town of Featherstone moving forward.”