Spartans owner given dual ownership clearance

What the report says

Members of the American consortium seeking to buy Shrewsbury Town have cleared another key regulatory step after the Scottish Football Association approved their dual involvement with Spartans FC. BBC Sport reports that the group, led by Scott Davidson and including Will Dotson, Craig Graham and former goalkeeper Brad Friedel, already had approval through the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator. The latest ruling means the group can hold controlling interests in both the Scottish League 2 side and the League Two club.

According to Spartans, the Scottish FA’s decision covers the planned appointment of Davidson, Dotson and Graham as directors at both clubs. The club said the ruling completes most of the regulatory work needed for the takeover. That leaves the proposed purchase closer to completion, with hopes the sale could be finished before Christmas, though no final deal has yet been announced.

The background is that Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley put the club up for sale in 2024 after several earlier takeover attempts collapsed. BBC Sport notes previous talks with one American buyer failed in March 2025, followed by another unsuccessful bid later that year. If completed, the sale would end Wycherley’s 30-year ownership of Shrewsbury, where he has cautioned supporters that patience will still be needed during the transition.