Shrewsbury Town confirm Americans behind takeover bid

Shrewsbury Town are on the verge of a takeover by an American consortium featuring former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The club has announced that the consortium seeking to acquire Town is being led by Miami-based businessman Scott Davidson.

He is joined by former United States international and ex-Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Friedel, who will become a director at Town subject to approval from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).

This is the closest Town have come to a takeover and, if completed, would mark a significant moment in the club’s history.

It would also bring an end to Roland Wycherley’s more than 30-year ownership of the club.

In a statement, Town said Wycherley remains “fully committed” to working with the consortium to complete the transaction as soon as possible.

The club said: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm the American consortium seeking to acquire the football club is being led by businessman Scott Davidson.

“Scott will be joined by former US International and ex-Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel who will become a director, subject to IFR approval.

“A businessman from Miami, Scott brings significant experience across financial services, investment, corporate leadership and real estate, alongside more than four decades of involvement in education and football.”

Davidson also has experience in football ownership, having become a director and majority shareholder of Scottish club Spartans in summer 2021.

A Uefa A Licence holder, he enjoyed instant success with the club, leading Spartans to promotion from the Lowland League into the SPFL for the first time in their history.

Fellow Spartans board members Will Dotson and Craig Graham will also become directors at Shrewsbury, subject to IFR approval.

The club statement continued: “Roland Wycherley MBE remains fully committed to working with the consortium to complete the transaction as soon as possible.”

It comes as Town celebrate their 140th anniversary season and follows years of twists and turns in the search for a new owner, including proposed takeovers that ultimately collapsed.

The latest deal took a significant step forward in mid-June when it was confirmed that terms had been agreed.

Shrewsbury were also among the first clubs to submit documentation to the newly established Independent Football Regulator as part of the ownership process.

American investment in English football

American investment in English football is nothing new, but its footprint is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

From the Premier League to the Football League, American ownership and investment have become an increasingly familiar sight, with Shrewsbury close to becoming the latest club to join the growing list.

Closer to home, Wrexham have become one of the most famous examples, with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney transforming the club into a global phenomenon through the hit Disney Plus series Welcome to Wrexham.

And the timing of Town’s announcement adds another layer of intrigue ahead of this weekend’s clash with Northampton Town, who have also recently entered a new era of ownership.

A consortium including former Brazil and Chelsea star Alexandre Pato has purchased a majority stake in the club, adding another intriguing subplot to Saturday’s meeting.