Shrewsbury Town: Scott Davidson's takeover includes Brad Friedel

Former USA international goalkeeper Brad Friedel has emerged as part of the American group, led by Miami-based Scott Davidson, lining up to take over struggling League Two club Shrewsbury Town.

BBC Shropshire report that the group is fronted by prospective owner Davidson, a 58-year-old American who made his money in real estate. He already has a foot in British football, having been a director of The Spartans, the upwardly mobile Scottish League Two club, since July 2021.

It was confirmed on Monday that Davidson had been cleared by the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator to proceed with the takeover after passing the owners' and directors' test.

Talks are continuing between both parties in the takeover, which would mark the end of 85-year-old chairman Roland Wycherley's three-decades-long tenure.

The deal, which involves both Davidson and Friedel joining the Shrewsbury board, is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

Who is Scott Davidson? Analysis from Nick Southall

Shrewsbury fans will no doubt be scouring the internet to discover more about their new owner in waiting, Scott Davidson - but the man supporting him needs no introduction to British football fans.

Friedel, who has played a key supportive role throughout the takeover process, describes Davidson as one of the most talented and humble people he has ever met.

Although not a household name like Friedel, Davidson has his own impressive track record both in business and in the football world - a self-made multi-millionaire with a commercial real estate background.

From studying at the Yale School of Management, he spent 12 years as managing director at New York-based American multinational banking institution JPMorganChase. But, since making his fortune, his love of football has grown.

He's a majority shareholder of Spartans, whose rise since he landed in Edinburgh has been obvious, helping them to win promotion from the Lowland League to within touching distance of the SPFL League One.

His instant success is regarded as one of the biggest success stories in Scottish football over the last couple of years. He's also played a part in developing Spartans' football foundation, regarded as one of the biggest in the UK.

Throw into the mix he's got a UEFA 'A' licence. Why? Because it helps him as an owner to understand exactly what a football manager needs.

A unique level of preparation that Davidson hopes, with Friedel's support, he gets the chance to put into action at Shrewsbury Town.

Ohio-born Friedel has played an active role in helping Davidson during the process of acquiring the club.

He retired at the age of 44 in 2015 after a 20-year senior professional career in which he made 668 appearances, including 476 in the Premier League for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

He was also capped 82 times by the United States and selected in the national squad for three World Cups.

The 55-year-old was in charge of MLS club New England Revolution from 2017-19 and has been working as a pundit for BBC Sport, Talksport, RTE and Fox Sports.

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