Broncos in takeover talks

Off-field problems have not affected the team's form

London Broncos hope to have new owners on board within the next 48 hours, the club's commercial director said on Monday.

Nic Cartwright claimed talks are continuing with a group of people interested in taking over the Super League club from Sir Richard Branson.

The Broncos, who are also looking for a new ground after current landlords Charlton Athletic passed on the chance to take them over, are confident that a deal is close.

The time when it could all be sorted is coming close

Nic Cartwright
Commercial director

Cartwright refused to reveal who the new owners might be, but it is believed they include current director David Hughes.

"We are trying to work towards the end goal and the deadlines we have been given are very soon," Cartwright said.

"But when you get to the deadline and we still haven't got an answer, you cannot give the answer that you want to give.

"We were confident that it would all be resolved last week or even Monday or Tuesday at the latest, but that might not be the case.

"It still could be - and the time when it could all be sorted is coming close."

Hughes is thought to be linked to the takover plan

The club are also having talks with Branson and his Virgin organisation about their level of involvement from next season.

Cartwright said the only thing that Virgin have confirmed so far is that they do not want to own the club.

"We are hopefully going to put a package together that will keep them on board," he added.

"They have been great for the club, they want to stay involved and we want them to stay involved."

Cartwright also confirmed that the club will be keeping the 12 players that they have under contract next season.

Despite the uncertainty off the field, London Broncos had a good weekend on it, beating Halifax Blue Sox 48-6 on Saturday.