Power struggle is over as three-man consortium takes over at Aggborough

by MAT KENDRICK

A WEALTHY Bermuda-based businessman is the prominent player in the three-man consortium poised to gain control of Kidderm-inster Harriers, the Shuttle/Times & News can reveal.

Gordon Howard has emerged as the "mystery backer" in a takeover triangle including vice-chairman, Barry Norgrove, and Neil Savery, ending weeks of Aggborough anguish.

A deal has been struck between the three, known collectively as Aggborough Holdings, and owner, Lionel Newton, who has given them his majority holding of 680,000 shares for £1 on the condition they invest £400,000 in the club.

Mr Howard's involvement was crucial to the agreement after he came forward with a substantial financial offer.

Originally hailing from Liverpool, Mr Howard, who is in his 60s, made his fortune in investment banking and has lived in Bermuda for many years.

He has relatives in Kinver and his interest in Harriers stems from his occasional trips to Aggborough when returning to Britain to visit them. He kept tabs on the Harriers power struggle via the internet.

Harriers chairman, Colin Youngjohns, said: "He first came to our notice when he could see the problems we'd got and he's now come to our assistance.

"He's a Scouser originally but he's got family connections locally and because he's a keen football fan, he watches games at Harriers when he comes back."

Mr Norgrove, a construction company boss who has been on the Harriers board since 2001, has fronted the takeover bid and could become chairman.

"Gordon Howard has offered to help us and we're very grateful to him. He's based in Bermuda but he comes over pretty often and we can get hold of him easily."

The deal will be finalised in the next few days after the club's auditors agree terms with Mr Newton's solicitors.

Providing the final contracts are signed without any hitches, it will end the interest of a rival Farnborough consortium which was keen to take over at Aggborough.

It is understood that the agreement contains a clause preventing former Harriers chairman, Dave Reynolds, returning as a director. This follows a bust-up between Mr Newton and Mr Reynolds when they were boardroom colleagues.

Mr Newton announced the takeover deal when he made a surprise appearance to read out a statement at a supporters meeting at the Harriers Arms pub on Monday evening.

Team manager, Stuart Watkiss, has now been given the go -ahead to begin his team rebuilding by recruiting players he has been pursuing during the uncertainty of the past two months.

Harriers returned to training yesterday with just eight contracted players - but their pre-season preparations will begin in earnest on Monday, by which time the manager hopes to have doubled his squad.