£10m Rovers Trust scheme launched
A scheme to take Blackburn Rovers FC into community ownership has been launched by the club's fans.
A Blackburn Rovers Supporters Investment Trust has been set up with the aim of taking over the ownership of Rovers from current Indian-based owner Venky's.
It is being backed by Darwen-based WEC Group director Wayne Wild and Daniel Grabko. WEC is currently a sponsor and commercial partner of the club.
The trust is aiming to raise £10m by selling 10,000 shares.
Wild said: "We believe the best ownership model for Blackburn Rovers is to be entirely owned by the supporters through a trust.
"We are seeking to engage with the current owners to advise them of our plans and we ask that they consider our proposals seriously as a credible and respectful way to pass on ownership of the club.
"At this stage we are asking Blackburn Rovers supporters if they would be willing to buy a share in their club. The more fans who pledge to buy a share, the stronger and more credible our bid will be."
The aim of the trust is to take ownership of Blackburn Rovers for the "sole benefit of the club, the supporters and the community now and for the future", a spokesman said.
It has so far gained support from Lancashire MPs Jack Straw, Jake Berry and Graham Jones and Kate Holhern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Legal representation is being provided by North West law firm Farleys Solicitors.
It comes following growing disillusionment among Rovers fans about the current ownership of the Premier League side. Rovers currently sit 17th in the league and are at risk of relegation.
Decisions including the sacking of manager of Sam Allardyce and replacement with the less experienced Steve Kean have faced much criticism.
Rovers' next game involves them travelling to Manchester City on Saturday.
