The consortium headed by former striker Dean Holdsworth has completed its takeover of Bolton Wanderers Football Club today.
The deal between Sports Shield, Inner Circle and Eddie Davies has been officially completed which will see them have take control of Eddie Davies’ 94.5 percent controlling share of Burnden Leisure.
The remaining 5.5 percent of the Burnden Leisure shares will remain with individual shareholders.
The deal was ratified by the Football League and will see Dean Holdsworth and Ken Anderson both join the board of directors at Bolton Wanderers, with details on further roles to be announced in due course.
Following completion of the deal, Dean Holdsworth said: “On behalf of Sports Shield I would like to thank Mr Davies for his dedication and contribution to Bolton Wanderers over many years.
“We would also like to thank the staff, fans and club sponsors for their continued support during what has been an incredibly difficult period for all involved.
“Securing the club’s future was of paramount importance. This is a great day for Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Sports Shield.
“We very much hope that we can build on the continued support of a club steeped in history for many years to come.
“We will not give up the fight of maintaining our Sky Bet Championship status. We believe we have a group of excellent players to work with and we hope that today’s news will give everyone a lift, both on and off the pitch.”
In acknowledgement of his contribution to the club, Eddie Davies, who initially joined the board of directors at Bolton Wanderers in 1999 before then becoming majority shareholder in 2003, will become honorary president of the club.
Davies, added: “It has been an honour to have initially been on the board of directors and then majority shareholder of the club I have supported all of my life.
“From 11 years in the top flight and seeing us topple some of the Premier League’s greatest teams down the years, to two successful UEFA Cup campaigns, my memories will last a lifetime.
“Together we have had some great experiences and we should embrace our wonderful history.
“Recently, we have gone through what has been a challenging period both on and off the field, but we now hope that we can once again move our great football club forward.
“I of course wish Dean Holdsworth, Ken Anderson and the Sports Shield consortium all the very best and thank the supporters for their loyalty and continued backing of the club.”
Image: Action Images / Craig Brough Livepic
