Consortium want to safeguard club

A group of “Airdrie-minded” businessmen emerged stating that they won’t allow the crisishit Diamonds to go to the wall.

The consortium met to discuss a “financial contingency plan in the unfortunate event of the club entering administration”.

The like-minded businessman, who at the time remained anonymous, hoped to ensure “the long- term sanctity and survival of the club” – but stressed they “will not embark upon or structure a takeover attempt”.

The group stated they were not willing to meet majority shareholder Tom Wotherspoon’s £ 350,000 valuation of his club shares, calling it “unrealistic”.

The Advertiser were able to expose that two years ago the Supporters Trust conducted due diligence on the club – around the same time as Wotherspoon’s takeover – with a view to a share purchase.

At the time they were advised the club was worth no more than £10. Members of the consortium called for the current board to bring stability to the club and “eliminate what has become an annual threat of extinction”.

Later in the year, the chairman elect, Broomfield legend Bobby Was ton revealed himself – with Martin Ferguson, brother of Sir Alex and former Manchester United scout, set to be his second in command.

The ever- changing story took another twist as Seref Zengin of the ZL Group was announced as preferred bidder - before sensationally pulling his bid.

Following the news, Hamilton Acci es chief executive Colin McGowan, who has been acting as former chairman and majority shareholder Tom W other spoon’ s broker confirmed he was now in discussions with a representative of the consortium in a bid to complete the deal.

Diamond knights Regime change has been on the cards at the Excelsior Stadium