Harlow Town FC comes out of administration

The Essex club is out of administration after being taken over by two businesses [Victoria Polley/BBC]

Harlow Town Football Club has come out of administration after being taken over by two businesses, it said in a statement.

A judge made a court order appointing administrators in January, with the situation described as "deeply concerning" at the time by town council leader Dan Swords.

Its team has continued to play this season in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division.

In a statement, the club said: "Melody Media and PSM Pension Scheme are delighted to announce that they have completed their takeover of Harlow Town Football Club enabling it to exit administration."

It added it wanted to thank everyone who had helped during "its recent difficult period".

"Harlow Town Football Club is nothing without its supporters and the local community and we hope they can now look forward to next season with renewed excitement," the statement continued.

Administrators had been appointed at the start of the year after an application was made by the trustees of the Platinum Sports Management Limited Pension Scheme.

Harlow Town FC is a private limited company, but Harlow Town Council owns the freehold to the club's ground, the Harlow Arena (Barrows Farm).

The side was originally formed in 1879 when it was known as Harlow.

The club won a place in football fans' hearts across the country when its players reached the FA Cup fourth round in the 1979-80 season, beating Leicester City before losing to Watford.