Shrewsbury Town are close to being bought by an American-led consortium that includes former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel. The group, fronted by Miami-based real estate investor Scott Davidson, has passed the Football League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test, moving the long-running sale process to its final stages.
Friedel, the 55-year-old former US international who played for Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham, is set to join the club's board. The move would end a search for new ownership that has lasted at least three years under long-time owner Roland Wycherley.
The takeover process
Scott Davidson, who also owns Scottish club Spartans, is the proposed buyer leading the bid. The EFL's approval of the group is a significant step, clearing the main regulatory hurdle for the takeover to proceed. This development comes as Shrewsbury look to stabilise after a turbulent period on the pitch.
The club were relegated from League One in the 2024/25 season and only narrowly avoided dropping into the National League last term. Their current campaign sees them 18th in League Two with six points from six matches, a position they will hope new investment can help improve.
Current context and next steps
Shrewsbury's recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five outings. Their most recent result was a 2-0 home victory over Northampton Town last Friday, a positive note ahead of the potential ownership change. The immediate focus returns to the pitch this Saturday with an away trip to face Crewe Alexandra, who sit eighth. The full schedule is on our fixtures page.
The prospective ownership group sees the acquisition as a project to rebuild. Friedel’s extensive experience in English football is viewed as a key asset for the board as they plan the club's future strategy. The deal, once completed, will mark a new chapter for Shrewsbury Town after years of uncertainty.
This story first appeared at en.as.com
