tribalfooball.com - December 07,
2006
Manchester City chairman John Wardle would stand aside should
negotiations over a £75million takeover reach a positive
conclusion.
Wardle revealed talks with an unnamed party, which could lead to a
significant investment in the Eastlands outfit, are at "an early
stage".
After spending the best part of two years scouring the globe for
additional funds, it is welcome news for chief executive Alistair
Mackintosh, who has come under fire by some sections of the City
support for failing to secure a much-needed cash injection.
And, although Wardle's association with the Blues has lasted a
lifetime, the 62-year-old would be happy to relinquish control if
it meant a brighter future for the club.
"Hopefully, something comes of these talks because I would be
prepared to pass the baton on if it allowed the club to get back
into the honours," he said. "The board are aware that we need
further investment to maintain our challenge in an increasingly
competitive and high-finance Premier League.
"With the new TV deal commencing next season, we are all conscious
of the importance of the current campaign. We would welcome the
arrival of anyone who could take the club forward with open
arms."
Wardle announced the news to City's annual general meeting on
Thursday morning.
Although talks with numerous parties have taken place over the last
few months, none offered the potential for the kind of significant
investment seen recently at Aston Villa and West Ham, clubs of
similar size to City.
"A lot of opportunities have been brought to the table, every one
of which has been treated on a confidential basis," revealed
Mackintosh.
"But today we felt, as we were sitting in front of our
shareholders, it was important to give them an accurate and
up-to-date picture of the situation."