Biscayne ST LLC has completed the takeover of Shrewsbury Town, ending Roland Wycherley’s 30-year ownership, while Brad Friedel is set to become the club’s sporting director.
The takeover deal
BBC Sport reported that Biscayne ST LLC had completed the purchase of 87.4 per cent of Shrewsbury Town’s shares. The consortium includes Brad Friedel and Miami-based businessman Scott Davidson, who becomes chairman of the club’s board.
BBC Sport reported that Bryan Finnerty is to join the group, pending the EFL’s owners and directors’ tests.
Wycherley’s ownership
BBC Sport reported that 85-year-old Roland Wycherley had owned Shrewsbury Town for 30 years. During his period as owner, the club were relegated four times and promoted three times, and moved from Gay Meadow to a new 10,000 all-seater stadium in 2007.
BBC Sport reported that Wycherley’s last game watching Shrewsbury Town while at the helm was Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup first-round win at non-league Eastleigh.
In a club statement, Wycherley said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as chairman and custodian of my boyhood football club, which I have proudly supported since the age of seven. My journey began by sponsoring an advertising board behind the Tech End goalmouth, before becoming an associate director in 1994, vice-chairman and, in 1996, chairman. One of the proudest moments was securing the move to our purpose-built stadium in 2007, bringing an end to 97 memorable years at the much-loved Gay Meadow. I firmly believe that move provided the club with a platform to progress. The club needs new investment to build on the foundations already in place, particularly the excellent work being undertaken within our foundation and also our academy.”
The new sporting structure
BBC Sport reported that Friedel will become Shrewsbury Town’s new sporting director and work with manager Gavin Cowan. Friedel attended Shrewsbury Town’s EFL Trophy Northern Group E win over Everton Under-21s on 27 October.
BBC Sport reported that Friedel and Davidson are expected to attend Shrewsbury Town’s home game with Oldham Athletic on Saturday.
Statements on the club
Davidson said: “Shrewsbury Town is a special club with a unique place in the landscape - and we believe it has limitless potential. We have put together a world-class investment team of business, legal, finance and sports professionals to help guide us and support our growth. Paired with the outstanding staff and leadership team that is already in place, our goal is to provide the community and our supporters with a club of which we can all be proud.”
Graham Turner told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Roland has put an awful lot into the football club. He's kept it going, when at times it's been hard. I've nothing but admiration for him. Over the years he's done a very good job.”
BBC Sport reported that Shrewsbury Town are 15th in the table and two points from a play-off place.
