Takeover deal a step clo

THE proposed takeover of Dundalk FC by American investment group Peak6 is likely to move a step closer this week as the club’s legal representatives fly to the US for further talks.

News of the trip tallies with a renewed report in last Friday’s Times of Ireland which said a deal could be completed ‘within two weeks’.

There remains mixed feelings amongst Dundalk supporters over the deal.

While many are understandably excited over the possibility of an increase in the playing budget, as well as talk of a revamped Oriel Park, there are many who fear the potential long-term impact of being owned by an overseas investment company.

Chicago-based Peak6 are best known on this side of the Atlantic Ocean for having a 25% stake in Premier League side Bournemouth.

The Argus spoke to a source close to The Cherries last week to determine their impact there and it has, on the whole, been a positive experience for the south coast club.

Our source revealed that Peak6 have had very little visible input into the day-to-day running of the club with visits to the club ‘rare’.

While regular contact is understood to be taking place in the background, Bournemouth’s situation is somewhat different as Maxim Demin remains the ‘big player’ at The Vitality Stadium.

Peak6 are understood to want current owners Paul Brown (pictured right) and Andy Connolly to remain in charge of the day-to-day running of Dundalk FC although a new CEO, marketing manager and full-time media officer are believed to be amongst the positions they are considering to help move things forward.

Since their 25% investment in Bournemouth two years ago this month, Peak6 have had