Takeover bid talks ‘ongoing’
STOCKPORT County have revealed they have had 10 offers of investment in the last three years.
And the National League North club have confirmed talks are ‘ongoing’ after receiving offers from ‘a number of consortia’ in recent months.
Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has been involved in a bid to take over County along with former classical pianist Klaas Gaublomme.
And although they haven’t named Kompany, a statement on Stockport’s website admitted the club have been approached.
It said: “In recent months, a number of consortia have approached Stockport County with the aim of investing and/or becoming involved in the running of the football club.
“We are unable to elab- orate on the detail of these approaches. However, we can confirm talks are ongoing, and we have made some recommendations to TopCo, the ‘top company’ which owns Stockport County.
“It is important to state nobody is holding up the process and we hope fans understand that it could take some time to reach a conclusion.
“In total, ten interested parties have approached us in the last three years, but the majority of them failed when asked for ‘proof of funds’ and a solid sustainable future business plan, and therefore are usually not taken any further.
“However, our commitment to the club’s fiveyear plan remains, ‘to give serious offers due consideration’ as custodians of the club for all fans and future generations.”
And chairman Richard Park says the club are looking to go full-time, whether or not the investment comes.
He said: “We want to be full-time in 2019/20, regardless of any external interest, so in preparation for this the board is in negotiations to extend the contract of manager Jim Gannon by a further 12 months, as our full-time manager with immediate effect.”
Meanwhile, County defender Stephen O’Halloran has opted not to take up the offer of a new contract at Edgeley Park and decided to look elsewhere for first team football.
He said: “With the club and the squad going more full-time I feel it is the right time for me to move on, but I love County and I love the people at the club.
“I can’t thank the manager, the staff, the squad and the fans enough for everything, but at my age I need to be playing regular first team football.”
Manager Jim Gannon said: “We wish Stephen well and thank him for his efforts during his time with County.
“He has been a terrific servant to the club during his three years here and we all wish him well for the future.”