Spartans owner given dual ownership clearance

Members of the American consortium attempting to buy Shrewsbury Town have received clearance from the Scottish Football Association to hold interests in both Spartans FC and League Two Salop, clearing the latest regulatory hurdle.

The US group - comprising Scott Davidson, Will Dotson, Craig Graham and former Liverpool, Tottenham and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel - have already passed the due diligence and financial tests set by the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator.

Now, any dual-interest concerns with Davidson's existing position as majority shareholder at the Scottish League 2 club, where Dotson and Graham are also involved, have been allayed.

In a statement,, external Spartans said: "The Scottish FA has given approval to the dual interests arising from the acquisition of Shrewsbury Town FC by the consortium led by The Spartans FC lead shareholder Scott Davidson and the appointment of Scott, Will Dotson and Craig Graham as directors of both The Spartans FC and Shrewsbury Town FC.

The club added the ruling "completes the majority of the regulatory aspects of the acquisition".

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Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley put the club up for sale in 2024 but has seen a number of potential takeovers collapse in that time.

Negotiations with an American buyer collapsed in March 2025, and six months later a second bid from a different party also fell through.

The deal with Davidson's group has been ongoing for the past six months with hopes the takeover will be finalised before Christmas.

But, based on his own 30-year experience of running the club, 85-year-old Wycherley warned that "time and patience" will still be important once they have officially taken charge.

Once completed, the sale will bring an end to Wycherley's 30-year tenure as owner.

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