Legend urges Blackburn Rovers fans to keep open mind over takeover

10:00am Saturday 4th September 2010

By Andy Cryer

Blackburn Rovers legend Bryan Douglas has urged supporters to ‘keep an open mind’ about the club’s takeover saga as the battle to seize control intensifies.

Ahsan Ali Syed’s serious attempts to purchase the Ewood Park outfit, which include promises of a £300million investment, have been shrouded in uncertainty this week after revelations his Bahrain-based firm has been suspended from trading.

The Indian tycoon’s Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) is currently under investigation into its financial practices but is working with the government to clarify transactions and their source of funds.

Syed has already reassured fans the suspension would not affect his potential Rovers investment as WGA was not carrying out any of their investment activities, but concerns around the club have been raised.

‘BBC 5 live Investigates’ will continue their report on Ali Syed’s bid at 9pm tomorrow, where they promise further revelations about the man himself, as they chart his business career and the path that has led to his promised £300m takeover of the club.

Syed’s representatives are not concerned about any findings and insist their process of due diligence - where the books are opened for inspection - is still on track.

A spokesperson though has revealed reports of their due diligence having been completed are ‘premature’ and said: “WGA’s due diligence on the club is still ongoing. They don’t know exactly when it will be complete.”

The Lancashire Telegraph understand though at least two other club suitors have been in negotiations with Rovers representatives in London over the past fortnight, including Mumbai businessman Saurin Shah’s group, as the club remains in demand.

Douglas though, who made more than 500 appearances for the club between 1952 and 1969, insists the club should be left alone as they continue their efforts to make sure they are bought by the right person to take them forward.

He said: “Nobody knows what the latest revelations mean and until they do I don’t think it would be right for anybody to say anything about whether he is the right person or not.

“As far as I am concerned if Mr Syed buys Blackburn Rovers then it is good news because it will mean he has passed all the checks Blackburn Rovers will have carried out on him and all the checks the Premier League will have done. It will be the same with anyone else.

“We have all got to leave this in the capable hands of John Williams. I am sure he has the experience necessary to make the right decisions for the club.

"Obviously there are question marks over things at the moment but I am not sure any of us are qualified to pass comment at the moment. The club is in safe hands.”

While Mr Ali Syed is understood to be close to completing his own financial exploration of the club, it is understood Rovers are continuing their own due diligence into the potential buyers.

As well as investigating the actual financial position of the buyer, Rovers will also carry out a ‘moral’ due diligence that will look at the motives of any prospective buyer.

It is also understood that while rival bidder Mr Shah, as well as at least one other unnamed interested party, are keeping a lower profile, their own investigations into the club are ongoing.

Mr Ali Syed is still believed to be further ahead in the process but, with no binding deals yet made, Rovers will continue working hard behind the scenes making sure they attract the right buyers for the club.

Douglas said: “We certainly need some investment if we are going to be able to continue to compete in the Premier League.

“John Williams has done a great job keeping us where we are but I’m not sure how long that can continue without more money. Something needs to happen.

“I am worried about the future, I always worry but I still believe whatever Rovers decide will be the best for the club.”