DAVE O’Neill has promised Accrington Stanley fans that his takeover will be completed by the end of the season.

Plans for O’Neill to take over Whalley’s majority shareholding in the club were announced a year ago but the complex nature of the deal mean that certain aspects are still to be finalised.

Whalley stepped down as chairman last summer and has been back at the club at recent home games following his departure from his role as Chester City’s director of football.

O’Neill says Whalley’s presence is part of the agreement struck when the former chairman left his role at the club and insists he is now closing in on a completion of the takeover.

“I promise it will all be done by the end of the season,” said O’Neill.

“It was part of the deal that Eric could attend any game for the next five years.

“He has the best box on the halfway line, but he got us back into the Football League and he should be honoured.”