BUSINESSMAN Chek Whyte is to end his links with his home-town football club.

New owners are poised to move in at Ilkeston Town, 18 months after the takeover by Mr Whyte.

Club chairman Denis Harris today revealed an offer for the club – which gained promotion from the Unibond Premier Division last season – had been accepted.

A statement from the Blue Square North outfit said that the club had agreed an offer to purchase the majority shareholding in the club held by Harry Whyte – Chek Whyte's son.

"It is anticipated the group involved will complete the due diligence process in a few weeks," the statement went on.

Mr Harris said: "The change of ownership is in the best interests of all and is fully supported by the current board.

"I don't want people to think I walking away. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.

"I am not disappearing but I have no aspirations to be chairman of a football club. I am much happier on the terraces."

The Whyte family stepped in after the death of Paul Millership, who saved the club when Erewash Borough Council decided to sell the former Manor Ground.

Chek Whyte put £28,000 into the club when he became owner in May 2008.

The identity of the new owners has not been made public.

Mr Whyte's building empire ran into trouble with the slump in the world economy, leaving him with debts of £30m. He had faced bankruptcy but has now agreed a voluntary agreement to pay creditors.