Councillor Michael Wyatt has responded to criticisms levelled at him following Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks' decision to pull out of the club.

Cllr Wyatt has replied directly to comments made by Labour councillor John Geary after the Ravens withdrew its senior team from the Southern Football League.

Mr Rennocks announced his decision last Friday and criticised a lack of support from North West Leicestershire District Council.

In a statement, he referred to the council changing the council representative from Cllr Geary: "Who has been, for many years, a fantastic representative for both council and football club."

The District Council then issued a statement explaining why the support for Coalville Town has been reduced this year.

But Liberal-Democrat councillor Wyatt has responded to comments made since by Cllr Geary.

Cllr Wyatt posted on social media and said: "I see Cllr Geary (Labour) is playing the politics games over the sad news of the Coalville Town football team's senior team being folded. 

"I can absolutely say that in a conversation with Cllr Geary, he said to me: 'I agree that the council cannot continue to subsidise the football club'.

North West Leicestershire District Council Councillor Michael Wyatt: Photo: Coalville Nub News

"Cllr Geary's and other Labour Councillors comments on social media are totally disingenuous and it's a deliberate attempt to drag me into the story. 

"I believe Cllr Geary has brought his position into disrepute and he will be reported to the council's standards board for investigation. 

"The small grant (work in kind not cash) would not have impacted the club's finances, which has been reduced over several years, and agreed by the club before I joined the administration. 

"This attack is just an opportunity to have a go at myself and the administration, which is nothing but spiteful and purely political. 

"Also in some posts, the Labour councillor mentions my businesses and in other posts my family which is clearly another deliberate attempt to cause harm and fear which is absolutely unacceptable and despicable. 

"To even suggest I am not fighting for my town and community is deeply offensive and untrue. My record passion and commitment as never wavered and never will. 

"The facts are that the chairman retired. He was solely responsible for the future of the club, not the council. 

"To single out one Councillor is irresponsible and extremely unprofessional. The council has bent over backwards for years and dedicated officers' time to support the activities of the club. 

"Elected representatives must make sure all finances, however small or large are scrutinised, which we must do otherwise we fail to carry out our responsibilities. 

"Also, anyone saying the grounds are going to be used for housing is just plain wrong and making ridiculous and unfounded statements just to cause mischief.

"Let's hope someone will come forward and take over the club so the community can continue to enjoy the facilities on offer."