Shrewsbury Town’s long-running takeover saga is set to end after an American consortium was approved to buy the League Two club.
Shrewsbury have received written confirmation from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and the English Football League (EFL) that the takeover has been approved.
Former Liverpool player Brad Friedel has also received approval for his involvement in the proposed takeover. The American consortium, led by businessman Scott Davidson, is seeking to acquire the Shropshire club.
Davidson was previously the majority shareholder of Spartans FC in Scotland and helped guide the club into the SPFL for the first time.
Friedel is expected to become a director if the takeover is completed and has now been approved by both the IFR and EFL.
A club statement read: “Shrewsbury Town are pleased to confirm Brad Friedel has successfully passed the owners’ and directors’ tests conducted by the relevant governing bodies.
“The latest approval represents another step forward in the proposed takeover process. Shrewsbury Town will provide further updates when able to do so.”
Friedel has played an active role in supporting Davidson throughout the takeover process. He retired in 2015 at the age of 44 after a 20-year senior career, making 668 appearances, including 476 in the Premier League for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper won 82 caps for the United States and represented his country at three FIFA World Cups. Friedel also managed MLS side New England Revolution from 2017 to 2019.
Shrewsbury currently sit 18th in League Two following a 2-2 draw with Colchester United at the weekend. Current Shrewsbury owner Roland Wycherley has issued a message to supporters as the sale of the club progresses.
“We’ve done all we can to satisfy ourselves about their background, their intentions, and their ability to run the club successfully,” he said.
“But nobody can predict the future with 100 per cent certainty. That’s the reality of any change of ownership. But I truly believe new investment and ownership is what Shrewsbury Town urgently needs.”
Wycherley added: “The process has gone on longer than any of us wanted,” he said. “Our initial letter of intent was exchanged on 16 March.
“Regulatory checks, finances, legal work – none of it can be rushed if we want to get it right. Having passed the relevant tests, we are now in the final stages. I cannot promise a date, but we’re pushing for completion as quickly as we possibly can.”
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