Bye bye Ridsdale?

Last updated : 20 December 2004 By Mad Tyke

A boardroom battle is being fought out for control of Barnsley FC according to the Barnsley Star.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale's absence from Saturday's match was the first obvious sign of a power struggle between directors.

Both sides have maintained a public silence but there is a chasm of difference dividing the boardroom dating back over a month with Ridsdale and David Walker on one side and Gordon Shepherd on the other.

Shepherd, with the backing of software millionaire Patrick Cryne, is the new chairman in waiting.

Cryne, who owns 50 per cent of Oakwell together with Barnsley Council, is a key player at Barnsley FC. Unless new investors come forward, Barnsley need his backing to see out the season or to borrow enough cash to complete their fixtures this campaign.
There is currently a stalemate at the club. Ridsdale, as well as being chairman, owns the football club without owning the Oakwell bricks and mortar. The football club has no capital assets and cannot be used as surety for loans.

Lawyers are currently mulling over the paperwork which would hand the club to Shepherd and give Ridsdale a clean break.

Walker looks set to lose his job as chief executive/director because of his association with Ridsdale. Barry Taylor, the fourth director, is likely to remain on the board alongside Shepherd.

Another issue at Oakwell is that of the cost of completing the season.

Although there was a business plan hatched between Ridsdale and Cryne there seems no chance of it being completed now.

We are still waiting for the official Barnsley websites response to the rumours. Hopefully Patrick Cryne (44th in the 4-4-2 football rich list with £58million!) will again ensure the future of the Reds.