'Very encouraging!' Shrewsbury reacts as Town on verge of takeover by US consortium

Reactions are in after Shrewsbury Town announced that the club is on the verge of an historic American takeover.

Salop confirmed on Friday (September 11) that the American consortium that is on the cusp of taking over the club is led by Miami-based multi-millionaire businessman Scott Davidson.

It was also revealed that Mr Davidson will be joined by a man who knows a thing or two about English football: Brad Friedel.

Friedel, the former Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, who also has 82 caps for the United States, is set to become Shrewsbury Town’s new director, subject to approval from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).

If the deal is completed, it would bring an end to chairman and owner Roland Wycherley’s 30 years in charge of his home town club.

Following the announcement, the Shropshire Star went into Shrewsbury town centre to measure the mood of the public and fans.

Shaun Owen owns The 12th Man retro football shirt shop, which has stores at The Parade and at No.5 High Street. The businessman is also a huge Shrewsbury Town fan.

Reacting to the announcement, Shaun said: “It is very encouraging. We have not heard anything out of the club for ages. The supporters' letter that went out last Sunday hopefully prompted a bit of something.

“It seems to have happened really quickly this week. The club has needed the investment for a long time, so it is obviously a huge plus.

“Now it is just everybody frantically researching and seeing what the guy [Scott Davidson] is about. It is encouraging that he has got a team in Scotland with Spartans, which seems like a really community-led club as well. It is encouraging that he has got a Uefa A licence - it seems like he is taking it seriously.”

Experienced Premier League goalkeeper Friedel has played a significant role in Davidson’s bid to acquire Town and attended a Shrewsbury game earlier this year as talks with the American group progressed.

Asked about Friedel’s involvement, Shaun said: “Well it can only be a good thing.

“It is certainly better than the alternative of just having foreign investment coming in, not really knowing exactly what they are doing with an English football club. At least Friedel will understand English football and the pyramid a little as well.”

Also talking about the potential takeover, Robbie McGuire, a Luton fan who now lives in Shrewsbury and attends Town games regularly, said: “It could be a good thing.

“If it helps the club stave off relegation to the non-league and helps them get back up a few levels, I think that would be really good.”

Ian Mapp was on holiday in Shropshire with his wife and is a Carlisle United fan.

The Blues are also now owned by Americans.

Did he have any insight into what life might be like for Town fans under US ownership?

“I cannot talk for Shrewsbury Town fans, but for Carlisle United, my local team, the experience [of American ownership] has been overwhelmingly positive I would say,” Ian said.