Anderson waits in wings in Forest fray
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sandy Anderson has emerged as the potential backer of a group of Nottingham Forest shareholders who are planning a last-minute bid for the club.
The Porterbrook Leasing millionaire, who has already had one bid for the club turned down, is thought to be willing to invest pounds 3m-pounds 4m in an offer being put together by former Forest chairman Fred Reacher and two other directors, Keith Gibson and Jamie Mellors.
The move comes just days ahead of a crunch meeting next Monday when Forest shareholders will vote on the bids made by the Albert Scardino-led group and a rival consortium led by Nigel Wray and local author Phil Soar.
The Anderson-backed proposal would see each of Forest's 202 shareholders receive around pounds 50,000 for their stake, far more than under each of the two other bids.
Last week, letters were sent to Forest shareholders by Phil Murdoch, a local antiques dealer who is also a shareholder, suggesting that they vote against both the Scardino and Wray-Soar bids.
However, Mr Anderson is thought to be unwilling to indulge in any spoiling tactics. He has made it clear that he will only re-enter the fray if neither of the two bids are successful next week.
Both Mr Reacher and Sandy Anderson were in the directors' box at Forest's FA cup defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday along with other well-known Forest fans including Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke.
The emergence of a third bid has been greeted with dismay by some Forest shareholders. They say further delays to the ownership question could jeopardise the club's future.
Forest's bankers are said to be ready to call in loans made to the club the day after next week's emergency meeting if neither of the bids is successful.
Larry Lloyd, a former Forest player and now a sports presenter on Radio Trent, said yesterday: "If this happens I fear for the club. I have spoken to some other shareholders and they feel the same."
It is understood that a shareholder buyout of Forest was discussed last autumn but dismissed on the grounds it was not financially viable.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments