Shrewsbury Town’s long wait for new ownership ended this week as former USA international goalkeeper Brad Friedel joined the club’s board as sporting director. The deal, finalised with Miami-based businessman Scott Davidson’s consortium Biscayne ST LLC, sees the group take control of 87.4 per cent of the League Two club’s shares, allowing Roland Wycherley to step down after three decades at the helm.
Wycherley, 85, who first took over as chairman in 1996, announced his intention to sell more than five years ago while the club was still in League One. His cautious approach to finding the right buyer prolonged the process, causing frustration among fans eager for a change. The new consortium includes Davidson, New York financier Will Dotson, and Craig Graham, chairman of Spartans, a Scottish League Two club. Friedel will work alongside manager Gavin Cowan, who returned in January to stabilise the team.
Wycherley’s tenure witnessed Shrewsbury’s highs and lows. The club experienced four relegations and three promotions during his time as owner, a rollercoaster that has shaped the team’s recent history. One of his most significant contributions was overseeing the club’s move in 2007 from the historic Gay Meadow ground to a new 10,000-seat stadium. Former manager Graham Turner, who led the club to promotion in 2012, praised Wycherley’s dedication, telling BBC Radio Shropshire: “Roland has put an awful lot into the football club. He’s kept it going, when at times it’s been hard. I’ve nothing but admiration for him. Over the years he’s done a very good job.”
Wycherley watched his last game in charge during Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup first-round victory over non-league Eastleigh. Shrewsbury currently sit 15th in League Two, just two points shy of a playoff place. The team’s form this season has improved under Cowan, who managed to lift them out of relegation danger after taking charge early in the year. The club reached eighth place following a win at Crawley on 20 October but slipped down in a congested table after late goals conceded in subsequent matches.
Friedel has already been spotted at Shrewsbury’s home ground, Oteley Road, attending their EFL Trophy Northern Group E win against Everton Under-21s on 27 October. Both he and Davidson are expected to be present for Saturday’s home fixture against Oldham Athletic, managed by former Shrewsbury boss Micky Mellon, who previously led the club to promotion.
The consortium’s takeover ends Wycherley’s 30 years of leadership. His cautious approach ensured the club’s survival through challenging periods, but the handover signals a new chapter for Shrewsbury Town as they aim to build on recent progress under Cowan and Friedel’s sporting guidance.
According to Yahoo Sports.
