Shrewsbury Town takeover another step closer

The takeover of Shrewsbury Town has moved a step closer, the club have confirmed.

Craig Graham and Will Dotson - two directors of the American consortium on the verge of buying Town - have passed tests by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).

Both are involved with Scottish club The Spartans - Graham as chairman and New York-based financier Dotson as a director.

Miami-based businessman Scott Davidson, who had already received approval, leads the group of prospective new owners - while former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel is awaiting IFR approval.

A statement from Shrewsbury Town read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm Craig Graham and Will Dotson have successfully passed the owners’ and directors’ tests conducted by the relevant governing bodies.

“Both are members of the American consortium, led by The Spartans majority shareholder Scott Davidson, which is working to acquire the football club.

“The consortium also includes former United States international and ex-Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who will become a director, subject to IFR approval.

“Craig Graham MBE is a former KPMG partner and current chairman of Scottish club The Spartans. He has a background in football, youth development and community engagement. He will be joined by Will Dotson who is also a director at The Spartans.

“The successful completion of the tests represents a further step in the proposed takeover process.

“The club will provide further updates when further information becomes available.”

Graham was central to the growth of the Spartans Community Foundation, which has expanded significantly during his tenure.

At the end of his tenure as chair of the foundation, it was running 36 different programmes each year and reached more than 2,000 people every week.

Should the takeover proceed smoothly, it would bring an end to Roland Wycherley’s 30-year ownership of Shrewsbury Town