US Consortium Clears Key Hurdle in Shrewsbury Town Takeover Bid
A US consortium attempting to buy Shrewsbury Town has received Scottish FA approval to hold interests in both the English club and Spartans FC, moving the takeover closer to completion.
A US consortium attempting to purchase Shrewsbury Town has received clearance from the Scottish Football Association to hold controlling interests in both the English club and Scottish League 2 side Spartans FC. The group includes Scott Davidson, Will Dotson, Craig Graham, and former Liverpool, Tottenham, and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Davidson is the majority shareholder at Spartans, where Dotson and Graham are also involved.
The consortium has already passed due diligence and financial tests with the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator. The Scottish FA's approval resolves potential dual-interest concerns, with Spartans stating it "completes the majority of the regulatory aspects of the acquisition."
Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley put the club up for sale in 2024, but previous takeover attempts have failed. Negotiations with an American buyer collapsed in March 2025, and a second bid from a different party fell through six months later. The current deal has been in progress for six months, with hopes of finalisation before Christmas.
Wycherley, 85, who has owned the club for 30 years, cautioned that "time and patience" will be crucial once the new owners take charge. The sale would end his three-decade tenure as owner.
Supporters have expressed cautious optimism about the takeover, though some remain wary given the club's history of failed bids. The completion of the deal would mark a significant transition for Shrewsbury Town.
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