The Airdrie-minded consortium have moved a step closer to their takeover of the crisis-hit Diamonds - as they now hope to complete the deal by the end of the year.
In a statement released by fan groups the Airdrie Supporters’ Trust and Diamonds for Change, they state that “progress behind the scenes has been fast and concentrated” as they look to purchase Tom Wotherspoon’s majority stake.
They have claimed that the club have handed in their notice for Ravenscraig - where they train full-time - and will return permanently to the Excelsior Stadium.
Airdrie legend Bobby Watson and Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother Martin are the figureheads for the consortium who are in the midst of the takeover bid.
The duo, along with other Airdrie businessmen hoping to save the club from the current plight, met with first-team coach Stephen Findlay and the playing, coaching and medical staff at the Excelsior Stadium last night.
The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser reported earlier this week that the Diamonds were at risk of a mass exodus of playing staff next month - however the latest statement reveals that Findlay has been granted permission by the current board and consortium to hold talks with players, and additionally look to strengthen the squad.
It is also hoped that consortium member Stuart Shields, of BSB Structural, will officially join the board of directors in the coming week “which will speed up the handover and facilitate a smooth transition.”
The consortium are the second preferred bidder to be named for the club - after Seref Zengin of the ZL Group pulled his bid.
The Trust and DfC said that everyone has been "working hard in the background" with Hamilton Accies chief executive Colin McGowan, who is acting as Tom Wotherspoon's broker, and the Ballantyne family.
The statement reads: “We can confirm that notice has been handed to Ravenscraig, and that training will return to the Excelsior Stadium in January.
“Members of the consortium, along with Bobby Watson and Martin Ferguson, met with the entire playing, coaching and medical staff at the stadium on Wednesday night, to put forward some of the plans for the future of the club, and enable all staff to ask questions that they may have.
“Additional meetings have also been held with Stevie Findlay to discuss the contracts of players which end in January, and also loan signings who are due to return to their parent clubs after Christmas.
“He has been given joint permission by the current board and consortium to hold talks with these players, and also to look at strengthening the squad.
“The progress behind the scenes has been fast and concentrated, and we hope to have the deal done by the end of the year."
They added finally: “Thank you for your patience, support and understanding. In the meantime, please travel in numbers to Hampden and get behind the boys!”
