'Positive' uptake to AFC Telford share offer

The club, based at the New Bucks Head, is still running a scheme for fans to buy shares, with each person able to buy a maximum of 1,000 shares at a cost of £100 a piece.

The club voted to change its ownership model, after revealing it was in financial difficulty, saying it needed to raise £55,000 by the end of November

Club secretary Ian Tyrer said: "The directors of AFC Telford United can advise that there has been positive initial uptake by supporters of the share issue announced on November 18.

"The club is also continuing to speak to interested investors.

"This is a unique opportunity for supporters to hold a direct ownership in the football club and the current club board are very keen that the supporters of the football club hold shares in the club.

"The board encourages all supporters whether you be a trust member, a season ticket holder, regular supporter or occasional supporter to purchase shares in your football club."

The club has also thanked everyone who has submitted applications for shares and has reminded interested parties that the closing date to buy shares is 1pm on December 13.

AFC Telford United hopes to have the club's ownership status wrapped up by Christmas after proposals to change the business model were backed.

Each potential investor is limited to buying just 20 per cent of the club and, despite that figure coming under some criticism, supporters' trust chairman Steve Bowyer confirmed it was in the interest of safeguarding the future.

Since 2004, the club has been owned 100 per cent by the Telford United Supporters' Trust.

The National League North club aims to raise £500,000 once all of the shares are sold.

Notification of acceptance and issue of share certificates will be issued to shareholders after the closing date of sales.

Mr Tyrer added that forms are still available for people who want to purchase shares and supporters who want to purchase a single share and want to take up the instalment option should contact the football club for the appropriate forms or download them from the club website.