ACCRINGTON fan David Lloyd wants to get involved in the Stanley takeover.
The Sky cricket commentator, born and bred in the town, wants to help to raise awareness of the club and hopefully attract new investors.
Businessman Dave O’Neill is currently the frontrunner to buy the majority of chairman Eric Whalley’s 56 per cent shares but it is taking time to go through and any other injections of cash would be welcome.
Ex-England cricketer Lloyd, who also played football for Accrington Stanley and was on Burnley’s books in his early football career, wants to get involved.
"Unfortunately I haven’t got any money," said the 62-year-old.
"But I love football and always have. I was talking to Eric Whalley about it the other day and he said he wanted to sell and I wish I could afford to buy the club off him.
"I can’t do that but I would like some involvement and perhaps raise the profile of Accrington Stanley. The town needs a football club - and I want to help to make sure they have one.
"I want it to be fun, involve families and be something for people to enjoy.
"It seems some of that has gone out of it with recent events such as the betting scandal but I will do whatever I can to help."
Lloyd knows businessman Ilyas Khan, who owns 15 per cent shares in the club, and was hoping to get in contact with him.
Hong Kong millionaire Khan has offered to invest £200,000 once a takeover is complete. And chief executive Rob Heys says they will relish Lloyd’s involvement at the FES.
"David is a great sporting ambassador and is probably as famous a name in the town as Accington Stanley.
"He always mentions Accrington whenever he can and we would like to have him onboard."
Reds manager John Coleman would also be pleased as he needs the takeover sorting out as soon as possible.
While it drags on, the Reds chief is struggling to sort out new deals for his players, with the majority out of contract, and he also needs to sort out a newc ontract of his own.
But he knows he faces tough times with his playing budget likely to be reduced for the new season.
"I know my playing budget will be cut which will make it difficult as we are already probably the lowest payers in the league," said the Reds boss.
"I think we have the basis of a decent squad here so, of course, I am worried players could go elsewhere if we can’t offer them something soon.
"David Lloyd is a nice man and his heart is in the right place and it would be good for him to play a part at Accrington Stanley. We could have two fast bowlers on the wing!"
The Reds, meanwhile, are looking to make this their best ever season tomorrow at Bury in the final game of the League Two campaign. If the 16th place Reds win, they will exceed their 51 points total from last season - they are on 50 - while also halting the Shakers automatic promotion hopes.
