Lifeline!

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 13/05/2004

WITH Bradford and Wimbledon both in danger of being thrown out of the Football League due to financial problems, there is a possibility of Grimsby being reinstated to Division Two next season.

Bradford's remaining money runs out at midnight on Thursday, after which the administrators at the club are due to announce their plans on Friday. Even if the Bantams do survive, they will not be able to play games next season at Valley Parade - owned by former chief Gordon Gibb - as it is too expensive.

The Bantams, who are reported to be £36m in the red, have also advised their entire playing staff to leave the club. They have until 1st June to show the Football League they will be able to fulfil their entire fixture list next season.

Wimbledon, meanwhile, are being taken to court by the Inland Revenue, who object to the terms of a takeover proposal of the Dons, which sees the Inland Revenue losing out at the expense of the club's other creditors.

"Unless Wimbledon exit administration by 31 July their League membership will be terminated," the Football League have stated. Football League rules state that a club is not allowed to start two consecutive seasons in administration. Wimbledon have already been in administration for the whole of last season.

If either Bradford or Wimbledon are thrown out of the Football League, Grimsby would be restored to Division Two since they finished 4th bottom, and 91st club Carlisle United would return to the League. This has not been confirmed with the Football League.

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