Shareholder agrees to sell controlling stake in club

The largest shareholder of Crewe Alexandra has agreed to sell his stake in the Cheshire club.

Majority shareholder Norman Hassall is to sell his stake in the club to a group of local investors.

Mr Hassall has held 51% of the Alex’s shares since 2006 as Gresty Holdings (Crewe) Ltd.

He first joined the board in 1978 but is now looking to sell up.

The League Two Club has issued a statement.

The club statement said: “Gresty Holdings (Crewe) Limited, which holds the controlling interest in Crewe Alexandra, is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement to sell all of the latter’s shares to a group of local investors and supporters.

“The agreement has the support of Norman Hassall and his family, The Railwaymen supporters’ society, and the Crewe Alexandra board of directors.

“The agreement ensures that ownership will remain with local people, who have Crewe Alexandra and the community at heart.

“Following the restructure, no single shareholder would own more than 12.5% of the shares.”

Hassall’s investment in the 1980s helped the club enjoy the most successful period in their history when, under manager Dario Gradi.

The club’s youth policy helped produce a string of international players.