Aldershot Town directors step aside as Deane Wood takes ownership of the club

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Aldershot Town confirmed on Monday that Deane Wood has taken a controlling stake in the club and will assume the role of chair and owner, subject to league approval.

Outgoing chairman Shahid Azeem and fellow director John Leppard have written off their loans to the club and are transferring their shares to Wood at no cost.

Wood is converting his existing loans into shares as part of the transition, while Azeem and Leppard step down from the board.

The Shots started the season poorly, but a recent four-match unbeaten run in the National League has lifted them out of the relegation zone.

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Loans

A statement from the club this week announced: “Aldershot Town Football Club confirms that an agreement has been reached with director Deane Wood to assume the role of chair and owner.

The club went on to state that Wood holds the controlling shares, “subject to league approval”.

It also confirmed: “To this, Shahid Azeem and John Leppard have written off their entire loans to the club and are in the process of transferring their shares to Deane at no cost.

“Deane’s existing loans are also being converted into shares as part of this transition. With immediate effect, Shahid and John will be stepping down as directors.”

Consortium

The club added: “This decision follows confidential discussions with an external consortium that had expressed an interest in taking control of the club.

“As that process was taking longer than expected, it was in the club’s best interests to take the proposal offered by Deane.

“As directors with responsibility for the long-term wellbeing of Aldershot Town Football Club, Shahid and John accepted this offer in the best interests of the club.”

Both were part of the consortium that rescued Aldershot from administration in 2013.

Azeem is the club’s longest-serving chair. Meanwhile, Leppard, a lifelong supporter from Ash, has been a director since 1997. He also served as caretaker chair in 2009/10.

Challenges

The statement concluded: “As outgoing directors, Shahid and John wish Deane every success in his new role and we will remain as friends.

“They fully understand the challenges involved in running a football club and are committed to offering Deane their full support wherever their experience and assistance may be required.

“They believe this transition places the club in a strong position for the future and that the change ensures continuity and stability.

“Deane purchased shares in 2018 and loaned the football club a substantial amount of money. So now, as supporters lets get behind the club, Deane and the team.”

Next up for Aldershot is a home clash against Solihull Moors this weekend. John Coleman’s side will be looking to make it five unbeaten in the league.

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