BRISTOL Rovers have denied there is any done deal about a future takeover of the club.

Reports have linked Rovers with an outside investment and the club say they have made ‘no secret of their intention’ to get fresh money into the club now it is back in the Football League following promotion from the Vanarama Conference last season.

The club have ambitions to not just survive in League Two but thrive, and, say reports, have found favour with former Reading director Chris Samuelson and a group of potential investors.

But, while a statement on the club’s website admitted there had been talks with Samuelson and that they would be prepared to accept offers from investors ‘for the right reasons’, nothing is on the table at present.

The statement said: “Following reports in the local media this morning regarding the possibility of a future take-over of the club, we would like to clarify our position.

“The board of directors have made no secret of their intention to secure investment in a bid to take the club forward and cement its long-term future.

“Additionally if a potential buyer were to approach us with the right offer, made for the right reasons, we would obviously consider this offer.

“At this moment in time there has been no offer. However, this situation may change in the future.
“We have a very clear, ambitious plan to move this club forward and are actively looking for new directors with expertise.

“That plan is dependent on new or increased investment.

“We have spoken to Chris Samuelson. It was an informal conversation. Chris and the people he represents are looking at a number of clubs.

“We can see why Bristol Rovers is one of the clubs they were interested in talking to. We have an incredible fan base which is the envy of many clubs.

“This makes us an attractive proposition for potential investors.

“But at this moment in time there is no agreement in place to sell Bristol Rovers.”

Samuelson, said reports, also denied there has been any agreement ‘to buy or invest in the club’.

Any deal to buy Rovers would, though, be subject to the ongoing court case involving the club and supermarket giants Sainsbury’s over a deal for the retailer to buy the Memorial Stadium for £30m when Rovers move to a new facility at the University of the West of England in Frenchay.