OWNER Mark Gardiner says he will 'consider all the options' before deciding the future of Hastings Town.

The deadline for potential buyers to make a firm bid for the club passed yesterday and Gardiner will meet his financial advisers on Monday before considering his next move.

Gardiner offered to hand over the club for nothing to a group led by vice-chairman Pat Kelly, but they cannot find £60,000 to pay outstanding creditors, which include six months unpaid PAYE, as well as meet exsisting financial commitments.

The lottery millionaire, who took over in July 1997, is adamant that his interest in Hastings is over.

"My position is unchanged except that I'm standing up now and I was sitting down this morning," he said.

"I will be meeting my accountant on Monday and considering all the options, including calling in the administrator.

"There is still time for someone to get involved from outside, 48 hours is a long time in football."

As sole owner of the limited company, Gardiner has several options open to him including closure, liquidation or calling in receivers.

Town's players were travelling to Tamworth today wondering whether it might be the last match in the club's 104-year history. They are also hoping that they will be paid February's wages, which are due tomorrow.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.