Ian Dosser: Share offer stabilised AFC Telford United

Speaking at a well-attended fans’ forum at New Bucks Head last night, Dosser and fellow directors Andy Pryce and Luke Fearnall addressed supporters on a number of issues including the club’s share offer, volunteering and drumming up support.

And Dosser said while the share offer remains open, he denied there were discussions with ‘any serious investor’ the second time around.

Dosser confirmed the remaining 65 per cent of shares are still open to be purchased.

“We’ve had two goes at the share offer,”Dosser said. “We removed the barrier to own more than 20 per cent and it was a disappointing outcome to move from 32 to 35 per cent.

“I thought it would be a better timing that the first which was at Christmas.

“But the second time there were no serious discussions with any big investor – if anything there was more of that during the first share offer.

“I won’t pretend it was a good outcome but it’s helped stabilise the football club.

“It’s still open to potential investors. It will be left open for people coming forward to buy shares.”

On manager Rob Smith’s playing budget for the 2017/18 campaign, Pryce said: “Rob said he feels like we’ve got a competitive budget.

“We need to get the recruitment right to match guys paying ridiculous money like £10,000 and £12,000 on their playing budget.”

Dosser praised the impact that commercial manager Liz Allsopp has had on building bridges for the Bucks.

Allsopp was appointed into the full-time role last October.

“Liz has made a very good start and repaired a number of relationships as well as building new relationships,” said Dosser.

“We’ve renewed Capgemini (kit sponsor) and the University of Wolverhampton of is in process of renewing.”