Hoffman speaks out over bid rumour
CONTINUED Coventry City takeover speculation has led to consortium leader Gary Hoffman seeking to clarify his position.
Rumours of a fresh bid for the club circulated on social media again this week after a message attributed to Nuneaton poker player Dale Evans was made public.
Mr Evans, a self-proclaimed multi-millionaire, and a member of Gary Hoffman’s consortium, appears to have told a fan asking about takeover talks that a deal had been done.
But former CCFC vice chairman Mr Hoffman has said that when, or if, there is something to announce it would come from him directly.
However, the possibility that a further bid for the club has been submitted has not been ruled out by Mr Hoffman.
Coventry City and Sisu have been approached for comment.
Mr Hoffman told the Telegraph: “I am reluctant to say anything as all this speculation and posturing is unhelpful.
“I am not even going to confirm whether or not a further bid has been made.
“These things need to be done in private and professionally. What I can say is that the consortium remains clear in its objectives to buy Coventry City and give our club a long term, stable home in the city of Coventry.
“I hope we will be successful but can’t make any promises. If and when there is something to be said about progress (or a lack of it) I will say something.”
The Facebook exchange at the heart of the most recent speculation centres around a screen shot of messages sent apparently between a supporter and Mr Evans.
Asked about how a meeting went, the reply read: “Deal done. Spread the word.”
During the exchange, it was also mentioned that an announcement could be expected over the weekend.
Previously, the club’s London hedge fund owners Sisu and Coventry City FC have dismissed all claims from Mr Evans relating to any potential takeover. Last week, Sisu issued its statement via the official club website which read: “Sisu Capital can confirm that it has had neither written nor verbal communication from Mr Evans; hence, he has not made an offer to purchase Coventry City FC.
“We would expect any potential purchaser to follow a professional and confidential process.
“Misleading public statements are a distraction to both the club and fans.”
Mr Hoffman’s consortium has already had three previous bids for the club turned down by Sisu.
The last previous known offer was reported to be just over £2million cash up front and would have allowing Sisu to keep the club’s Ryton training ground to sell for housing – a land deal that it is claimed could be worth up to £6m given it’s rural location. That would amount to in excess of £8m up front with a number of addons linked to promotion, cup success and 50 per cent of player sales which could take the deal nearer to £20m.
The consortium is known to include Gary Hoffman, Stratford businessman Richard Overson, former CCFC chairman Joe Elliott and Nuneaton gambler Dale Evans.