There is a statement on the official site but it may be that the BBC version gives a greater insight. It is reported that the deal stumbled partly because the Coakley deal involved a lease back arrangement. The new owner would take control of
During the black days of administration it was stated that the club was for sale but there was always the rider that the long-term future would have to be secured. The phrase re-appeared on Friday afternoon when the club release stated "that any agreement had to be in the long-term interests of Motherwell Football Club."
Oops!
There seems to be little doubt that an arrangement which creates a division between the club and its ground is not in the best interests of MFC. The risk to the long term future of the club, especially with a property developer in the hot seat, were not acceptable to John Boyle and, despite the current gulf between fans and management, supporters should be grateful that he took the decision.
We may have serious concerns about the seeming lack of leadership and ambition from the board room, we may grumble about the handling of season ticket renewals and we may be dismayed that we can't compete with lower divisions south of the border in terms of wages but we know that the club has a security with the current owner. We should be grateful for that and realise that other gripes pale into insignificance.