American property tycoon Preston Haskell IV insists he's "deadly serious" about taking over League One Coventry City, according to Andy Turner of the COVENTRY TELEGRAPH. The 46-year-old multi-millionaire declined to do a formal interview until a takeover deal is done, but he did have a clear message to the fans, insisting, "I'm deadly serious about doing this and want to get it done as soon as possible." Former Vice Chair Gary Hoffman and suspended Life President Joe Elliott are leading the takeover bid on behalf of the wealthy backer and have written to the administrator of Coventry City FC Ltd. Paul Appleton, "expressing an interest in acquiring the football club as soon as possible." Elliott: "Preston is very interested in Coventry City Football Club Ltd." Elliott "admitted that there remains uncertainty over where the golden share is held"-- effectively City's license to operate in the Football League. Hoffman and Elliott said that "there have been no conversations with City owners Sisu or Coventry City FC (Holdings)." Elliott: "At the moment it is our only intention to deal with Coventry City FC Ltd where it is understood from the Football League and the Football Association where the golden share is, which is Coventry City's heart, breathing and living body." Asked about plans to purchase half the stadium, Hoffman said: "We'd prefer not to comment on that at this stage but it is safe to say that whether you are a fan or an observer in this, you look at models in the football world and it will only work if the football club and stadium come together" (COVENTRY TELEGRAPH, 4/8).
