WASPS have been given the all-clear in their battle against administration, with a consortium lined up to take over the club within a fortnight.
Led by former Wasps player Ken Moss, the group will finalise the takeover deal with club owner Steve Hayes after Saturday’s final game of the season with Newcastle.
However, that’s assuming Wasps aren’t relegated.
It’s understood that this rescue package could also collapse at the 11th hour if Wasps don’t secure the Premiership status for next season.
Director of rugby Dai Young said: “I’ve read that in the paper, but I haven’t been told that. Whether that’s part and parcel of the deal, I don’t know.
“That’s something that hasn’t been said to us, but the truth is I don’t know.
“But we all realise if you were a buyer, if I was a buyer, anybody would want to be buying a Premiership team.”
Despite that caveat, Wasps will go into the kill-or-be-killed game tomorrow with a spring in their steps knowing the club is in safe hands if they can live up to their part of the bargain.
YOung said: “I’m not quite sure if it’s been signed, sealed and delivered, but the pressure is off.
“They’ve got a consortium together that’s in a position to take this club forward and I’ve been led to believe that the deal is more or less done and agreed.
“I don’t ring for daily updates, but my understanding is it’s more or less done.”
Wasps were in desperate straits when a takeover deal, believed to be led by Barnet FC chairman Tony Kleanthous, fell through a fortnight ago just hours before the official announcement.
The left the club fearing for it’s life, but the prognosis is much better now.
Young said: “I’ve been very impressed with the discussions I’ve had with the people involved.
“I’ve met a delegate from the consortium that’s been put together. I’ve been very impressed with the attitude they’re bringing to the table.
“It’s exactly what I’d want and exactly what Wasps supporters would want.
“They want us to be successful and back at the top of the table.
“To get there there has to be a stage plan and that’s what they’re working to.
“They want to see it right through to the end. They’re in it for the long haul, they’re not just passing through.”
And Young believes it’s only good news that it’s a fromer player leading the rescue package – Moss is a flanker who played for Wasps between 1985 and 1990.
Young said: “You have to have some sentimental draw to a club. You need to have an emotional tie so I believe it helps that he’s an ex Wasp.
“That wouldn’t be the only criteria obvsiously, but it’s nice that they’re rugby people and understand the ups and downs of rugby.”
Now all Wasps need to do is win on Saturday.
