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Archived News from March 2008

BOOTH - THERE IS MONEY FOR NEW PLAYERS
9th March 2008 22:05


There is money for new players - Booth
CHAD.co.uk, 7 Mar 2008, By Tim Morriss

STAGS chief executive Stephen Booth has pledged that money is available for manager Billy Dearden to strengthen the squad - and insists that the takeover saga will not deflect from the relegation battle.
Mr Booth, underfire from some fans for his running of the club since taking over the day-to-day reins at the beginning of December, told Chad today (Friday): "If Billy (Dearden) identifies that he needs additional resources to aid the relegation fight, then I have made it clear that is not an issue - within reason, of course.

Full story at CHAD website here

"It is important to recognise that we now have Alex John-Baptiste back, but there are long-term injuries to Lee Bell and Martin McIntosh who are unlikely to play again this season.

"All the takeover talk has not stopped me working with Billy to further strengthen the squad with loan signings.

"I am doing my utmost to ensure that it is business as usual . . . I am fighting on two fronts - keeping the club going and thriving; and attempting to realise a sale."

Mr Booth, brought in by unpopular owner Keith Haslam at the end of November when he rejected a takeover bid from the James Derry consortium, revealed earlier in the week that the much awaited sale almost took place last Friday before one of the buyers' financial backers pulled out at the last minute.

And the chief executive, charged with running the club and finding a buyer, said again on Friday that he remains 'cautiously optimistic' that a buyer will be found within his original three- to six-months timeframe.

Timetable

"Talks are ongoing on many fronts and the deal last Friday which could not be completed is not dead."

Mr Booth has been criticised by some supporters for not seeting a takeover timetable and creating a deadline for bids to be submitted and a decision made on any sale.

But he told Chad: "I can't create a deal, all I can do is encourage the various parties.

"To set an artificial deadline would be detrimental to the club. That could mean it misses out on a better deal for the sake of a few days.

"People are coming up with different ideas and we have to investigate those in terms of credibility - not only financially, but if they are right for the longevity of the football club.

"We did agree a deal last week and, who knows, that may still happen. Talks are also very positive on a number of other fronts.

"There are new expressions of interest and we are purusing all options."

 

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