Rival bid emerges for Doncaster

A split among Rovers’ major shareholders regarding the future direction of the Keepmoat Stadium outfit is understood to have ensured that an offer from Sequentia Capital SA – based in Ireland – to buy the club has been placed on the backburner.

One of the club’s major shareholders, Terry Bramall, is believed to be supporting the potential rival bidders.

In a statement released yesterday, Sequentia Capital – while acknowledging that not all shareholders at Rovers were in agreement ‘at this point’ – reaffirmed their commitment to taking over the club, adding that they are available to proceed with the deal ‘if they are wanted.’

Rovers chairman John Ryan is believed to favour the Sequentia Capital deal, having approached its representative Kevin Phelan – previously involved with Isle of Man registered company and one-time Rovers owners Westferry, who sold the club to Ryan in 1998 – in early June, with the Irish consortium subsequently agreeing to invest in the club and expressing a firm desire to take over.

Sequentia Capital claim a Heads of Terms agreement – a document signed by two parties intending to enter into a formal contract – was negotiated and an agreement signed on June 26, with the final version of the contract expected to be discussed by Rovers’ main shareholders on July 25.

But talks are thought to have floundered after the Rovers hierarchy met at a secret location on Monday, with the deal not rubber-stamped.

Ryan said: “We are always looking for investment – we are a small club with a small fanbase. So far, £22m has gone into this football club over the past 15 years from one source or another. Mainly us (majority shareholders Ryan and Dick Watson) and Terry Bramall.

“There is definite interest (from Sequentia Capital) and apparently there is another party that Terry is dealing with.

“In all fairness, Terry is the prime mover in the second deal. The Sequentia one (deal) has been led by myself.

“Kevin Phelan was someone I bought Doncaster Rovers from 15 years ago and he is strongly associated with Denis O’Brien, a billionaire Irish businessman. The situation is I am always looking for investment in Doncaster Rovers.”

Rovers insist there remains no rush regarding new investment with the board to weigh up all options before reaching a rational decision as to what is best for the future of the club – with preserving the status quo remaining an option.

Watson added: “It’s a great compliment to the club that people are interested in investing.

“People must have a confidence in the future of the club and that it is very well run. Due diligence has been done – particularly by the first group (Sequentia) and found to be in very good order, which is a compliment to the way the club is run.

“We don’t know all the full details of the second interest. But we do believe it is worth following up.”

A statement from Sequentia Capital read: “We are unsure as to the current position; we have been informed that all shareholders are not in agreement at this point.

“We are very mindful that the playing season is fast approaching and we are convinced that the club require an immediate cash injection and further significant funds will be required, and is available if Doncaster Rovers Football Club wish to move to the next level.

“We also believe that the current budget will be insufficient to sustain the club going forward.

“We genuinely believe the current shareholders have made a fantastic contribution to the success of the club to date, however we are convinced that now is the right time to take the club to the next stage of its development.

“We are committed to the deal which was signed on June 26, 2013 and we are available to proceed if we are wanted.”

A number of big-name players, including Shay Given and former Rovers striker Billy Sharp, have been linked with a move to the club in the past month – pending the successful takeover by the consortium with the promise of a bigger playing budget.

But given yesterday’s developments, the chances of Rovers making significant investment in the playing squad in the near future appears unlikely, although the club did manage to complete some much-needed incoming business to boost their small squad.

Free agent goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who left Chelsea at the end of last season and had turned out for former club Middlesbrough during a number of pre-season games, has penned a one-year-deal.

Tottenham Hotspur defender and South Africa international Bongani Khumalo has signed on a season-long loan, while Brentford winger Harry Forrester has finally completed his protracted move to the club, signing a three-year contract.

But a deal to sign former midfielder Richie Wellens, thought to be dependent on new investment, remains uncertain, while out-of-contract defender Tommy Spurr, one of the mainstays of the side who helped Rovers lift the League One title last season, has joined Blackburn Rovers – after failing to agree new terms with the club.

Rovers remain hopeful of bringing in a left-back to cover for the loss of Spurr in time for their Championship home opener with Blackpool on Saturday.

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