Shrewsbury Town owner Roland Wycherley responds to fan questions on takeover

Owner Roland Wycherley says he is working to complete Shrewsbury Town’s proposed takeover as quickly as possible as he responded to supporters’ questions.

The club’s chairman also revealed a ‘contingency plan’ is in place and said there will be a ‘competitive’ budget for this season and next should the proposed American takeover collapse.

Wycherley was responding to an open letter from a host of supporter groups demanding clarity over the club’s future and the proposed takeover by a US consortium led by Scott Davidson and including former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Town’s owner of 30 years said he has fully complied with the takeover process, providing “every piece” of information requested, and revealed the initial letter of intent between the parties was exchanged on March 16.

“We haven’t held anything back, and we continue to work with the potential new owner to get things over the line,” Wycherley wrote.

He added: “The process has gone on longer than any of us wanted. Regulatory checks, finances, legal work - none of it can be rushed if we want to get it right.

“Having passed the relevant tests, we’re now in the final stages. I cannot promise you a date, but we’re pushing for completion as quickly as we possibly can.”

Wycherley was asked whether he is satisfied the proposed buyer is the right person to take Shrewsbury forward.

“We believe so that’s why we’ve come this far,” he continued. “But let me be honest with you, no one knows for certain what a buyer will do once they’ve taken control of a club.

“We’ve done all we can to satisfy ourselves about their background, their intentions, and their ability to run the club successfully. But nobody can predict the future with 100 per cent certainty, that’s the reality of any change of ownership.”

Consortium directors Will Dotson and Craig Graham have both received formal approval from the English Football League and Independent Football Regulator, while consortium leader Davidson has also been approved.

Wycherley was also asked whether he has the resources to provide a competitive budget for the remainder of this season and next if the proposed takeover collapses.

“In the running of any business there has to be a contingency in place to monitor and react swiftly to any changes that may occur,” he said.

“A competitive budget has always been provided, and we will continue to do so for this season and next season if required.”

The final question from the supporter groups asked what fans could do to help ensure a smooth transition to new ownership.

Wycherley urged supporters to get behind head coach Gavin Cowan and his players and give the takeover process time.

He said: “Please get behind Gavin and the players and give the process the time and space it needs to work.

“When new owners come in, your welcome will be the first and most important message they get about what this football club means.

“I have been at this football club for 30 years. I have seen the best of times and the worst of times, and I know exactly how you are feeling right now.

“Football has changed, I have said that before and I truly believe new investment and ownership is what Shrewsbury Town urgently needs.

“Until that day, we continue to strive to do the right thing for supporters, for the community and for the future of Shrewsbury Town Football Club.”