GTFC Board Respond To The Bryan Huxford Bid!

By: GTFC Press Release
Date: 16/07/2001

GRIMSBY TOWN Football Club have responded to the Bryan Huxford takeover bid and given their assurance of a drive for success and calling for all to support the club. Mr Huxford withdrew his offer on Saturday after not gaining sufficient shares to achieve overall control.

The Club Statement

The Board of Directors have collectively rejected the offer from Bryan Huxford to purchase their shares. Having fully discussed Mr Huxford's proposal and having sought the views of sponsors, employees and many supporters, the Board were left in no doubt that it was not in the best interests of Grimsby Town to accept the offer.

On the subject of Mr Huxford's mysterious backers, the Board raise the question of why they were not forthcoming during Mr Huxford's time as Vice-Chairman, rather than immediately after his resignation from the Board.

The Board are confident that they have the necessary backing and support to move the club forward, including the proposed new stadium, and have a number of ' big hitters ' involved. Amongst these, are Dudley Ramsden, Chairman of the largest buying group in Europe and the number one privately-owned company in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. and also Colin Graves, Chairman of Costcutter, the fifth largest business in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Another member of the Board is Alec King, arguably the best Commercial Director in British football.

The current Board have already made significant funding available for the new season, whilst at the same time having to grapple with the loss of £ 1.3 million last season. The manager has the full support of the Board in his endeavours to produce a winning team in Division One.

An interest-free loan has been given to the club by Dudley Ramsden, and he is prepared to make further monies available, interest-free, as indeed he has always done as a director, both now and during his previous period as a member of the Board.

This statement has been made to clearly set out the facts and it is not the intention of the Chairman and Directors to become involved in matters which are to the detriment of the club. They do not want to become distracted any further from the all important job of building a team for the future, of which the community can continue to be proud.

The Board objective is to evolve a democratic approach to the running of the club, which has, and always should be, the correct aim. The Board wish to attract new investment and unlock the share capital, particularly with regard to the new stadium, which is paramount to the club's future. Later this week, new directors will be appointed, making further business expertise and funding available to the club.

Season ticket sales have been excellent and commercially the club is continuing to perform well. Grimsby Town has always been proud of its wonderful supporters and once again, the club urges its fans to get behind the team with enthusiasm and passion and play their part in taking the club forward, and on to the new stadium.

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