One of the EFL’s founding clubs could be saved from disaster by ‘extraordinary’ financial deal

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Clubs in the lower leagues don’t always make it out of financial holes, so we’re happy to report that one of the oldest, most important clubs in the EFL looks set for a boost in that department.

The football season in England is drawing to a close now, with only the play-offs in each division left to complete.

The likes of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield are trying to make it out of League Two, and the action from the EFL this weekend took the Saddlers and the Dons one step closer to that goal.

However, another League Two club, Accrington Stanley, has been struggling behind the scenes, but there is now hope for a positive resolution.

• READ MORE: Walsall fans all agree ‘class’ player needs to be signed after League Two play-off win vs Chesterfield

Accrington Stanley’s academy could be saved

Last week, it was reported that Accrington Stanley may have to close the doors of its famous academy. Now, as per a report from Alan Nixon on Patreon, that is looking less and less likely.

It is said Accrington Stanley are “in talks with the local council about an extraordinary financial deal.” Hyndburn Council are reportedly keen to “bail out and take charge” of Stanley’s academy, and that could be just the start of it.

Nixon claims we could yet see a “unique deal” which would involve the council taking control of the club entirely.

As of Monday, staff and players at the academy were told there would not be any redundancies, with funding from the council set to keep things going, at a cost of around £200,000 a year.

Andy Holt, the current owner of Accrington Stanley, is known to be frustrated and willing to step aside from his role, but has not been able to find a suitable buyer yet. Now, the council could take the club off his hands and start a new era for one of the most iconic outfits in the EFL.

• READ MORE: League Two play-offs statistic should give Walsall huge promotion boost, but Notts County will be worried

The EFL wouldn’t exist without Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley, founded way back in 1891, has a rich legacy within the English game. Not only are they one of the oldest clubs in England, they also formed part of the founding group of 12 teams that started the EFL.

The club has already been through its fair share of turmoil over the years. In fact, Accrington Stanley FC went bankrupt in 1962, leading to the club we know today taking its place and starting again in 1968.

This season, Stanley survived relegation from the Football League by the skin of their teeth, finishing in 21st place in League Two, eight points clear of the drop zone but close enough to be worried for much of the campaign.

Now, if this local funding can come through, hopefully it can be the start of a new era for a club everyone would love to see enjoy some better times.