It was reported on Wednesday that Paul Richardson, Maxi Lopez and Matt Southall have all accepted sanctions from the EFL following charges relating to the failed Maxco takeover. While there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet, the reports have stated all three have accepted suspended bans from involvements with EFL clubs.
The EFL announced on Monday evening that they have brought charges against Birmingham City Football Club as well as a number of other individuals in relation to breaches of EFL Regulations. The statement goes on to confirm that they had been considering of anybody involved with the “proposed acquisition of control” complied with Regulations in relation to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).
Birmingham City released an update to fans on Thursday evening, confirming plans to proceed with the next stage of repairs of the St Andrew’s Stadium. The update confirmed that work would be done to remove the pre-cast concrete units from both the lower Tilton and Kop during the World Cup break.
As Blues head into the international break, things on the pitch feel better than they have done for a while. While Blues were unable to continue their run of wins at home to Coventry, there seems to be a very positive feeling around the way the team is playing and optimism that it will improve further.
September has started well for Birmingham City. Saturday saw Blues pick up three points on the road against Preston North End against a team who hadn’t conceded a goal yet this season at a place that hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Blues over the years. Off the pitch, the club released an update which while sparse on detail did finally confirm officially that the Maxco consortium are in the process of buying a shareholding in the club.
Transfer deadline day was a curious one for Birmingham City fans. Normally, the signing of a young talent such as Tahith Chong to a long-term contract would be met with joy and seen as evidence of longer term planning from the club. However, the failure of Blues to sign a striker despite very public links from journalists has caused more aggro than it really should have.
August has been a strange month for those of us who support Birmingham City. The month started for many with the hope that the proposed takeover of the club by Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez would come to a quick conclusion and investment would be made in the team. As it comes to an end there’s been a palpable fear that the club would see a net outflow of players with rumours afoot of young talents being put up for sale.
It’s been just over a week now since the HKSE announcement from Birmingham Sports Holdings confirming that Vong Pech had agreed to sell the 21.64% stake in Birmingham City plc that he owns. Since then there’s been a fair few newspaper articles, a radio interview complete with wild promises and potentially libellous accusations – but nothing of any actual official value. What’s going on?
The football season may have come to a close, but takeover season appears to have well and truly started. News broke on Saturday morning of an offer for the club brokered by Keith Harris, with journalist Neil Moxley claiming that the deal was close and could be done by the end of the month.
Despite there being no official news, takeover rumours regarding Birmingham City have taken hold in the last couple of weeks. I’ve already written a piece about the mechanics of how a takeover would work but I think the bigger question from many people is about who exactly wants to buy Blues – and will they be successful?
