GLENN TAMPLIN looks set to take control of Ryman Premier side Billericay Town after his proposed takeover of Dagenham & Redbridge collapsed.
Tamplin’s consortium were seemingly on the verge of completing their deal for Dagenham after members voted in favour last month.
However, since that extraordinary general meeting, a number of members had contacted the Daggers’ board, informing them that they had changed their minds.
With a change of structure to legally allow outside investment looking unlikely to be passed, the board of directors subsequently removed their support for the consortium.
Tamplin has moved quickly, however, to secure another football club and looks set to take charge of Billericay after discussions with chairman Steve Kent.
The group, led by Tamplin, were planning to pump £1.225m into Dagenham over an initial three-year period but his attentions have now turned to Billericay.
Blues chief Kent said: “I have agreed to sell (subject to contract and completion) my majority shareholding in Billericay Town FC to Mr Glenn Tamplin. Grant Gordon has also agreed to sell his remaining shares to Mr Tamplin. All parties are keen to complete as soon as possible.
“Glenn is a very successful businessman and a former Non-League footballer who is keen to take on a Non-League football club and move them up the Pyramid.
“He first made enquiries about Billericay several months ago but when an opportunity arose with Dagenham & Redbridge he understandably chose them as his preferred choice.
“However, due to difficulties in making a deal happen with a members club Glenn came back to us all the more determined to fulfil his dream at Billericay. So what has been a big loss for Dagenham is now a massive gain for Billericay.”
As a dedicated billericay supporter, I welcome the takeover. It is time that the club showed more ambition and moved up the pyramid. This may also be a good time for a change in management to provide a better style of football.