The immediate future of Barnsley Football Club could be in jeopardy after owner Patrick Cryne was today bailed by the City of Westminster Magistrates’ court.
Cryne, along with Timothy Whiston, Stephen Graham and John Whelan are the subject of allegations from the Financial Services Authority that they mislead the stock market about Cryne’s firm Isoft’s financial position. Cryne was the founder of Isoft but all four men left the company when it was bought by Australian software firm IBA Health in October 2007.
All four men were today given bail by the magistrates and are due to appear before Southwark Crown Court on February 5th.
Cryne denies the charges but if he is found guilty it could bring into question the immediate future of the Oakwell outfit. Cryne has put a lot of time and funds into Barnsley to keep the club going and his removal of owner would spark a swift hunt for a new buyer.
More soon…