Takeover set to complete at Mariners ‘before start of next season’

Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town FC

John Fenty’s reign as majority shareholder at Grimsby Town looks to be coming to an end after 19 turbulent years.

It was widely reported over the weekend that Tom Shutes is behind at bid to takeover the North-East Lincolnshire Club, who play in League Two.

London-based Shutes has been described as a businessman and a philanthropist who played a key role in Greater Grimsby Town Deal which will see vast parts of the Midlands Engine town regenerated. He is also involved in a number of social enterprises and in the world of property development.

Now, Grimsby Town’s board has issued a statement saying a deal to sell the club to Shutes could be imminent.

It said: “Following speculation over the last few days, Grimsby Town Football Club can confirm it is in discussions with a number of interested parties relating to the purchase of a shareholding in the Club.

“While non-disclosure agreements (which contain confidentiality clauses) remain in place, we confirm that these talks are developing and in some cases discussions have been ongoing for almost a year.

“The Board are keen to progress and conclude these talks before the start of the new season.

“Supporters, however, can be reassured that no sale will be made without sufficient proof of funding and a compelling, long-term vision outlined for the Football Club. The Board of Directors remain committed as custodians of the club and do not take decisions related to the long-term stability of the Football Club lightly.

“We wish to further clarify that these ongoing discussions have not impacted preparations for the new season. As evidenced by recent signings of James Hanson and Matt Green – the Board of Directors remain committed to backing Michael extensively as we approach an exciting new season. We will be announcing further player signings in due course and remain extremely optimistic for the club’s short-term and long-term future.

“Grimsby Town Football Club will make no further comment at this time.”

Grimsby Town fans have become disillusioned with Fenty’s sometimes abrasive style. The club was relegated from the Football League in 2010 and spent six years struggling to get back – finally achieving promotion in the National League Play-Off Final against Forest Green in 2016.

Howver, since then the club’s supporters feel that there has been a lack of investment to take it forward another step. Last season, the Mariners finished in 17th place in League Two.

Fenty spoke to BBC Radio Humberside over the weekend and intimated that the club had ben talking to Shutes for the last year. However, things now seem to have picked up the pace, with the Mariners board

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