Talks between millionaire businessman Courtenay and discredited owner Michael Knighton broke up last month amid accusations and counter-accusations on both sides. Courtenay claimed Knighton had failed to provide him with the management accounts from recent months and had also withheld "other information" vital to the completion of due diligence. Knighton, through his solicitor, accused Courtenay of failing to provide necessary proof of his ability to fund the deal. Collins will only return if Courtenay can complete his takeover. Courtenay said at the end of last month that the only chance now was receivership. The club have not paid half of their playing staff last month's wages and are understood to have had an offer of 40% of the remaining amount turned down by the majority of players. Collins has spent the last few weeks taking things easy at home in Dublin with his family. However he is still watching the situation at Brunton Park closely and is in constant contact with Courtenay. If the club do go into receivership then Courtenay could come in and offer a rescue package. However other investors, most notably Brooks Mileson, are known to be monitoring the situation also. Another scenario believed to be under discussion would involve the intervention of the city countil in conjunction with the supporters trust CCUIST taking over the collapsed business and inviting investors like Courtenay and Mileson onto a new board of directors. If Collins comes back, he will bring the Bohemians pair of Trevor Molloy and Brian Shelley with him. They have already agreed moves to Brunton Park but the deals are conditional on Collins being manager. Already they are being linked with a move to the new League of Ireland champions, Shelbourne. Collins has also been linked to other jobs in the English league, possibly in conjunction with a Courtenay takeover bid. Both men are thought to have talked to the owners of AFC Bournemouth, who were relegated to the Third Division a few weeks ago. Derry City's Darren Kelly, rated at £150,000, is another top Collins target and the player is known to have United in his sights. But he will not be coming if Knighton retains his ownership throughout what is sure to be another troubled summer for the crisis-hit Cumbrians. Collins is also understood to have held talks with the Scunthorpe United pair of Peter Beagrie and Lee Hodges. With the Iron failing to clinch a play-off spot, both men might have been persuaded to join Carlisle but such moves now look unlikely with the takeover stalling. Picture from News & Star |
