Fans take over Brentford and put Dyke in charge (From Ealing Times)

Fans take over Brentford and put Dyke in charge

6:09pm Friday 20th January 2006 in

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The takeover of Brentford FC by their fans should go ahead today and a new board of directors is expected to be headed by former BBC director-general Greg Dyke.

But, as existing chairman Eddie Rogers prepared to step down, supporters' trust Bees United were still working frantically yesterday to complete the complex deal to buy the majority shareholding.

Dyke, a supporter of the League One club since childhood, is Bees United's most high-profile member and joined the trust last August, being among those who gave loans to help the Back The Bees raise £1million.

The former Manchester United director said at the time: "I have been a Brentford supporter for more than 40 years and feel the club's long-term future is best served by the majority shareholding being held by the fans."

Brentford will be the first London league outfit to be owned by supporters after completing the purchase of the majority shareholding in the club and ground from one-time chairman Ron Noades' company Altonwood for a nominal £2 but must release Noades from acting as guarantor for the club's £4.5million-plus overdraft.

Dyke, a Twickenham resident, whose brother Ian played in Brentford's youth scheme, will be joined on the new board by Bees United chairman Brian Burgess.

Rogers, who took over from Noades as chairman almost three years ago, will continue as a board member.

* Full story in the Richmond Times Series.