Lord Ashcroft has raised hopes for Watford fans that their fortunes will improve by suggesting that he is in discussion to sell his stake in the club and bring in new investment.
The statement that Ashcroft gave to the media was cryptic and certainly does not suggest that any move is imminent with investors being sounded out at this point.
“[Talks are] at a very early stage and there can be no certainty that an offer for the company will be forthcoming,”
Since relegation from the Premier League in 2007 the Hornets have struggled financially almost entering administration in 2009 with only last minute investment from Lord Ashcroft averting a ten point deduction.
This has naturally impacted upon the clubs fortunes on the pitch as manager Malky Mackay has been forced to improvise and grind away with limited resources at his disposal.
Any investment in the playing staff could not come any sooner for the Championship side that is towards the bottom of the table and falling fast due to a seven game run without a victory.
To gain full control of the club an investor would need to purchase all of Lord Ashcroft’s 37% stake in the club and secure equity in the club from one of the ex-chairman Jim Russo and Graham Simpson who cumulatively own 46.79% of the club.
With so few of the details not known including the name of the current potential investors Watford fans can only cross their fingers that a responsible and wealthy owner will be found for the club.
Yet with the finances of football league clubs seemingly far from secure across the board the search for investment and ownership changes and rumours are likely to continue unabated for the foreseeable future.
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