Watford seek to appeal court’s LNOC ruling

Watford have confirmed that they intend to appeal a court ruling to repay a £900,000 loan from loans company LNOC.

The football club confirmed via a short statement on the official site that they will seek permission to appeal Judge Mackie QC`s verdict.

In his verdict at last month`s trial, Judge Mackie ruled that former Watford owner Laurence Bassini was acting in the best interest of the football club when he arranged loans worth £2.6m via loans company LNOC.

LNOC had taken Watford to court over a loan of £900,000 which remained unpaid. Judge Mackie ruled against the Hornets` counter-claim that they should not have to repay the money as Bassini has arranged the loans knowing that he was not only risking the club`s future, but breaking Football League regulations.

In his judgement, Judge Mackie said: ‘I conclude from both considering the four matters raised by the club and looking at things in the round it has not been shown that when Mr Bassini entered into these transactions, he was not acting in what he honestly believed to be the best interests of the club.

‘The club was free to delegate wide ranging authority to a managing director but it has to take the consequences of doing so. The club, acting through the de facto managing director it appointed, borrowed money but has not paid it back. It should now do so. The defences of lack of actual or apparent authority fail as does the counter claim.’

For a full report of the court case, click here.