Sale is on thanks to new investor

Brookes, pictured following her appointment last year, told Black Country Radio listeners on Friday that an agreement had been reached to buy the Yeltz from current owner and former chairman Steve Lynch earlier this week after the crowdfunding campaign she helped launch with fans in January to raise £30,000 to finance a takeover prompted a new investor to come forward.

Supporters are set to hear more details of the proposed deal on Saturday from Brookes herself when the Yeltz host Rushall Olympic at the Grove in the EVO-STIK League Premier Division. According to a statement issued by excited club officials on Friday urging fans to attend, Brookes will reveal more details in person and confirm a takeover could be completed within days.

The club said: "Karen Brookes has some very exciting and important club news to convey to you all so we’d recommend you come to the Grove for the game against Rushall Olympic. ​Karen will be on hand before, after and even during the game to let you all know the news and answer any questions that she can.

"​Karen held an interview on Black Country Radio with sports presenter Adam Parkes. ​During the interview Karen revealed that she had been in talks with a second investor with regards to buying the club. ​

"Karen also mentioned that she has been in communication with the current owners and they had agreed to sell the club and the offer had been accepted. ​It is hoped now that everything will move at quite a pace as all parties are hoping to get the deal complete by the end of February."

Yeltz fans have been backing the fundraising scheme led by Brookes and her father, club president Colin Brookes, since it was launched by the Brookes family at a meeting of more than 200 fans in January.

Although the website appeal has raised only £3,000 towards the £30,000 target set, a delighted Brookes told the station's Friday Sportsview show that the actual figure was nearer £14,000 as many people had chosen not to use the JustGiving website to donate.

Brookes said: "[We've raised] around £13,500 to £14,000, so whilst it's some way off the £30,000 [target] I really appreciate everyone's efforts. Another investor, alongside myself, has come in and I made an offer on Sunday last week to the current owner.

"This afternoon I've had an email acceptance of that offer so, subject to going through solicitors and [the sale going through to] be able to purchase the club, I think it's looking much brighter and much more positive."

Brookes went on to tell listeners that she could not reveal the new investor's identity yet for confidentiality reasons.

She added: "I'm not able to disclose who it is, however it's someone I trust and respect. It is someone who has an association with Halesowen Town Football Club so I don't think our fans will have any issues. People will know who it is - they have a long association with the club."

Image courtesy of @halesowentownfc

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