Kettering Town to be sold to former players Piercewright and Norman
The short version
- Kettering Town agreed a sale to former players Brad Piercewright and Craig Norman.
- Outgoing owner George Akhtar said the buyers plan to invest millions, including a new stadium.
- The club twice reached the play-offs under Akhtar and beat Northampton Town in the 2024-25 FA Cup.
- The ownership change is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
- Kettering play in the Southern League Premier Central division.
The Southern League Premier Central club has agreed a takeover by two ex-players, with outgoing owner George Akhtar citing an ambitious vision and major investment.
Kettering Town have announced an agreed deal that will hand the club to former players Brad Piercewright and Craig Norman. The takeover is subject to a legal process, with the change of ownership expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Outgoing owner George Akhtar, who has led the Poppies for more than two years, said the club's next stage of growth required investment on a completely different scale. He added that he would not have given up ownership unless he believed the incoming group had the ambition and resources to move the club significantly forward.
Earlier in the year, Akhtar had said he intended to stay on as owner despite interest from potential bidders. Under his leadership, Kettering reached the play-offs twice and had a memorable FA Cup run in 2024-25 that included a win over Northampton Town.
Akhtar said the new owners are prepared to put millions of pounds into the club, including plans for a new stadium. In a joint statement, Piercewright and Norman said they recognized the responsibility of owning a club with Kettering's history and support and intended to invest significantly in it.
Kettering Town currently play in the Southern League Premier Central division.