Blackburn fans aiming for buy-out
Blackburnr Rovers supporters have raised over £2million in an attempt to eventually purchase the club from its current owners, Venky’s.
The Blackburn Rovers Supporters Investment Trust (BRSIT) claim to have already raised over £2million for the cause.
The Venky’s bought Blackburn in November 2010 in a £43million deal and have not admitted any interest in selling the club on.
Over 500 Blackburn fans gathered at King George’s Hall today to hear plans to perform a takeover, former Rovers player Simon Garner was amongst those in attendance.
An official statement from the club, which was relegated from the Premier League this season, has not been released regarding the matter.
The chief executive of BRSIT, one Wayne Wild, commented on recent developments when talking with the BBC: “We want Rovers to be owned by supporters for the good of the club and the community.”
After suffering a last-minute defeat to Wigan last month, Blackburn became the first club to have ever lifted the Premier League trophy to be relegated to the Championship. Rovers had been a member of the league for 11 consecutive seasons.
Blackburn’s finances have suffered since the Venky’s takeover in November 2010, the Indian company bought the club for £23million, a figure which will not be replacated unless Blackburn achieve promotion back to the promise ground that is the Premier League.
In December 2011 it was announced that Blackburn Rovers posted an annual pre-tax loss of £18.6m for the year ending 30 June 2011. Despite this the owners of Blackburn Rovers have provided assurances over the continued funding of the club.
Rovers are likely to see a great number of first-team players leave the club before the start of next season as many of the team wish to continue playing top-flight football, albeit elsewhere.
The club’s manager Steve Keane will be staying at the club for their return to England’s second-tier next season, despite huge calls from fans for the Scot’s departure.
