Video: Trust interim chairman Richard Antcliff on the takeover reports
Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Trust says the club should aim to avoid a ‘boom and bust approach’ if the reported £50 million American takeover comes to fruition.
A consortium fronted by American millionaire John Jay Moores is reported to be in talks over a £50 million bid for the club.
The deal would see the tycoon and his consortium gain an 80 per cent stake in Forest with current owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi likely to keep the rest.
A period of exclusivity has already been secured by the group and the Football League has been approached with the potential plans.
Interim Chairman of the Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Trust Richard Antcliff told Notts TV News: “Following a takeover the ultimate goal would be to get back to the Premier League and stay there.
“We don’t want a boom and bust approach, we want to build on firm foundations.”
John Moores was said to be part of a £200 million bid to buy Premier League side Everton earlier this year with that deal falling through in February.
The 72-year-old is the former owner of Major League Baseball side the San Diego Padres, who under his control won the West Division title in 1996, 2005 and 2006, even reaching the world series in 1998.
Mr Antcliff said: “It’s exciting John Moores has experience in sport at a very high level but he needs football people around who know the English game.
“The right infrastructure is vital.”
Moores made millions in computer software, racking up more than $600 million from cashing in on his shares with enterprise software company Peregrine Systems.
And the entrepreneur still works in the IT service management market through continued investments with his venture capital firm JMI Equity.
The Texan has been looking to buy a big English club and Forest’s illustrious history make them an attractive prospect.
Mr Antcliff added: “The key aim for the clubs future is sustainability, a structured dialogue with fans and eventually fan ownership.
“Owners will come and go but the fans are there for life.”
Nottingham Forest have declined to comment on the reports.
Mr Al-Hasawi has previously said a number of interested parties are involved in talks over a sale, and it is understood the Moores consortium are still some way off an official deal.
