Chester City fans fear Tranmere merger
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.Chester City fans have been alarmed by reports suggesting that a merger between their club and Tranmere Rovers is being planned. Stephen Vaughan, Chester's chairman, has denied trying to merge the two clubs – but he has made a bid to buy Tranmere.
Vaughan, a Liverpool-based boxing promoter, bought the Nationwide Conference club Chester just over a year ago. He has funded the rebuilding of the squad by the manager Mark Wright, whose side are pushing hard for a promotion place.
Now, though, the Chester chairman is trying to take over Tranmere. The hard-up Second Division outfit were put up for sale for more than £5m in the summer, and Vaughan appears to be the only serious bidder.
If his bid is successful, Vaughan intends to build a new stadium for Rovers on the Wirral. This will be funded by the sale of Tranmere's Prenton Park home and the club's training ground. While construction work is under way, Tranmere would play their home games at Chester's Deva stadium.
Vaughan, who was attending a public meeting in Chester last night to try to placate anxious City fans, has refused to reveal further details of his plans until he finds out the fate of his bid for Tranmere. He has, however, insisted that: "I will remain as major shareholder of Chester City." Vaughan added: "I have spoken about ground-sharing but I have not mentioned mergers to any member of the press and it's disturbing that reports came out this way."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments