US consortium involving former Tottenham and Blackburn goalkeeper completes Shrewsbury Town takeover
Former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel will take on the role of sporting director at Shrewsbury Town following the completion of a takeover deal by a US consortium.
Scott Davidson's American-based consortium Biscayne ST LLC have completed a protracted deal to acquire 87.4 per cent of the League Two club's shares from long-serving owner Roland Wycherley.
55-year-old Friedel will work alongside manager Gavin Cowan in a hands-on position as the Shrews aim to restore themselves in the third tier of English football.
The goalkeeper made over 450 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur during his decorated career, and he remains the oldest player to represent Villa and Spurs in a Premier League fixture.
Friedel previously held the position of Advisor to the Board of Directors at Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş for five months from June 2024.
Miami-based businessman Davidson will be accompanied on the board by New York financier Will Dotson and Craig Graham, the chairman of Scottish League Two side Spartans.
Liam Dooley, the club's chief executive, and vice-chairman Duncan Montgomery are to continue in their respective roles.
In a club statement, Davidson said: “We are extremely proud to begin our stewardship of this great club.
“Having spent an incredible amount of time working towards this day, and now overjoyed that it has arrived, we are filled with gratitude, hope and, most importantly, ambition for the future.
“As you know, Shrewsbury Town is a special club with a unique place in the landscape - and we believe it has limitless potential."
Shrewsbury had been in the hands of lifelong fan Wycherley for 30 years after he succeeded Ray Bailey as chairman in the summer of 1996.
Following an extensive search for new investment, the Shropshire businessman has finally handed over the reins more than five years after initially revealing his intentions to sell, and Wycherley can now retire aged 85.
The departing Wycherley added: “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.
“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, which continues to develop exciting young talent and has a proud history of producing players who have gone on to enjoy successful careers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, everyone who has joined me on this journey and, in particular, the people past and present who have worked alongside me over many years. Your loyalty, dedication and support have meant a great deal to me."
In a tightly-congested League Two table, Shrewsbury are priced at 11/2 to achieve a play-off berth this season under Cowan.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
