Football club 'not for sale' despite inquiries
A statement is issued following a report that a former player wants to buy the non-league club.
George Akhtar took ownership of Kettering Town in 2024 [PA] The owner of Kettering Town Football Club has said the non-league side is "not for sale" despite "a number of inquiries" from potential bidders. Writing on the club's website, George Akhtar shared a "clear and unequivocal statement" on his intention to remain owner of the Poppies, who play in the Southern League Premier Central division. The announcement followed a report in the Northamptonshire Telegraph that former Kettering player Brad Piercewright had tabled an offer for the club.
Akhtar did not address the reported bid, but said he had received "a number of offers" for the club in the last year. He said: "I have given time to meet and listen to any individual that makes this approach, but my response has been consistent throughout: the club is not for sale as we are building something special for its future. "These approaches have been made due to the attractiveness of the club and the success that we have seen over the last two years since I took ownership.
" During Akhtar's tenure, the Poppies have twice reached the end of season play-offs and in 2024-25 enjoyed a memorable FA Cup run, including a shock win over nearby neighbours Northampton Town. Akhtar added that he remained in discussion "with local authorities" about a longer-term home for the club within the town of Kettering, as it currently plays its home games in Burton Latimer. He wrote: "I have no intention to sell but instead to drive this club forward to reach our goals, and this is a constant message that will be the focus for myself and the management committee as we move through pre-season towards another exciting season.
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