Betham’s buyout bid takes next step

MONTY Betham’s crowdfunding bid to buy the Warriors has taken another step forward, with the former player confirming they will begin the due diligence process with the club next week.

Betham and his team met Warriors executive chairman Jim Doyle, new chief executive Cameron George and the legal counsel for owner Eric Watson, Don Stanway, yesterday.

The former Kiwis hooker, who played 101 games for the NRL club from 1999 to 2005, said the meeting had been ‘‘very positive’’.

‘‘There was a real and genuine passion shown by all on their side to work with us and help us where possible to try make our dream become a reality,’’ Betham posted on Facebook.

‘‘So starting next week my team will be working direct with Warriors management as they open up the books for us to do our due diligence and collate all the info we need to bring it to you, the fans – sowe can all make the right and informed decisions for our bid to own the club.’’

Betham first started the campaign to get fans to purchase the club from Watson last week but ended it on Monday when he said it was not a viable option.

But after speaking with the UK-based Watson this week, it was put back on the table with Betham announcing that he had entered into official negotiations with the Warriors owner.

Betham has assembled a team of high-profile businesspeople to lead the governance of the club should the bid be successful.

‘‘I have never been one to make up the numbers and I want to be successful for US to buy #OurWarriors,’’ he said yesterday.

‘‘I also know that we need some super strong, experienced and trusted partners to help us with structure and strategy, the right governance and leveraging the right commercial opportunities to build and run a truly world class leading organisation.’’

Betham finished his post by thanking the ‘‘Warriors faithful’’ for helping him get the bid to this point.

‘‘Your love for this club makes me proud every day so regardless of where this journey will end up I want to make you all a promise,’’ he said.

‘‘Warrior Nation – You have my word that my team, your team in this will do everything in our power to help make OUR dream happen.’’

Watson had been discussions to sell the Warriors to Paul Davys, only for the Auckland businessman to withdraw his offer this week after becoming disgruntled with the process.

Watson has said there are several parties looking to buy the Warriors, with a reported asking price of $20 million.