Halesowen saved by takeover offer

Creditors voted overwhelmingly in favour of a takeover offer from brothers Graham and Godfrey Ingram.

More than 85 per cent voted in support of the bid, with Graham Ingram and his brother Godfrey "excited" with looking forward to bringing success to the club.

Businessman Rob McNaughton had mounted a rival offer and was originally backed by supporters' group The Yeltz Trust.

But following a meeting held by administrators Marshman Price, Graham Ingram – who fronted the brothers' offer – was backed to take over the reins. Ex-Luton player Godfrey Ingram is thought to be bankrolling the takeover, having made millions of pounds as a California-based entrepreneur.

Joint administrator Gary Pettit today confirmed the brothers' offer had been accepted subject to contracts being signed.

He said: "At the meeting creditors overwhelmingly supported my proposals, which included giving the go-ahead to sell the club to Graham Ingram."

Mr Pettit added the amount paid is not yet in the public domain, as figures owed to creditors are still being finalised. But he state the Ingrams had "pumped a lot of money" into the club since being appointed to run The Yeltz on licence by Marshman Price, following the departure of former owner Morell Maison.

Ingram re-iterated Maison would not be returning to the boardroom.

He said: "Morrell is friends with my brother Godfrey but, as for the club, we have a good people looking after it already and an announcement will be made shortly into its management."

Ingram added that creditors had "voted with their feet" to back his proposal and urged fans who may have turned their back on the club to return.