TWTD has learnt that several local businesspeople have recently been approached regarding the formation of a consortium to take control of the club. Mystery surrounds the identity of the party behind the move with the club unaware of the developments.
We understand that a number of Suffolk-based businesspeople have been asked to private meetings with individuals representing the group where they have been sounded out regarding their own financial situation, but where little was revealed of the identity of those behind the consortium.
TWTD spoke to Derek Bowden for the new issue of the fanzine, which is out ahead of Saturday's home game with Wolves, and the Town chief executive told us the consortium is unrelated to the club's own ongoing search for investment: "I'm not aware of any local consortium being formed. We're not talking to any local consortium, but nothing would surprise me.”
Bowden confirmed the club are continuing to look for new investment or someone to takeover, but says developments aren't as close as some recent reports have suggested: "The whole thing is a work in progress. We've been out there actively for a year, talking to all sorts of third parties and first parties about possible investment and we still are.
"I wouldn't say that it's imminent because, certainly from what I've found, talk's cheap. Loads of people like to talk about buying football clubs because it's groovy, but when it comes to the actual amounts of money involved and the commitment over time, and importantly the source of funds, it gets a little less clear.”
In addition to the continuing search for investment, Bowden talks about how the club are using the Darren Bent windfall, this year's accounts, the future of E.on's sponsorship, safe standing, Town's home attendances and more in what is the 89th issue of the fanzine.
TWTD 89 goes on sale around the ground (from our sellers by Sir Alf, next to Planet Blue, by the Portman Road entrance to the Greene King Stand and at the North Stand end of Alderman Road) prior to Saturday's Wolves game, but is also available by post here either via a six-issue subscription or by purchasing a single copy.