Eatonfield boss fronts Portsmouth FC consortium

THE boss of struggling Cheshire-based property group Eatonfield, and a former star of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, is fronting a consortium to buy Portsmouth Football Club out of administration.

The crisis-hit club, which in February became the first ever Premier League club to enter administration, has debts of more than £70m.

Tarporley-based Mr Lloyd is fronting the consortium that is expected to lodge a £3m offer today, which will then give it two weeks of exclusive talks to buy the club.

The consortium is thought to be led by an un-named private South African investor, with further support from a New York-based hedge fund.

Mr Lloyd, a Liverpool fan, answered questions from fans about the consortium’s proposals yesterday – a move which is reported to have agitated Portsmouth’s administrator, Andrew Andronikou who sees the move as jumping the gun.

Mr Lloyd’s interest could be in the opportunity to develop the land around club stadium Fratton Park, although he reassured fans at yesterday’s meeting that the consortium’s first priority was to stabilise the club, which looks certain to be relegated in May.

If Mr Lloyd’s bid is successful, the consortium would be the club’s fifth owner this season.