By Aston
January 13 2006

Ipswich Town investor Michael Anderson has today apologised for any embarrassment he has caused to Town’s fans and board.

Anderson wants to say sorry for not revealing he had been involved with Aldershot and Kettering football clubs, both of which went into financial free fall around the time of his involvement.    

 

Anderson: “I was asked on a number of occasions if I have been involved in football. I did not reveal my brief association with either Aldershot or Kettering because of embarrassment. I didn't want it to jeopardise my position with Ipswich Town. I would like to stress that I have done nothing wrong at these other clubs. Rather, I have personally ended up losing money.

 

“Of course I regret not having mentioned this. I apologise for any embarrassment caused to David (Sheepshanks, chairman), Derek (Bowden, chief executive), the board and the fans. This was never my intent.

 

“I love football and felt very privileged to have been asked to join the ITFC Board.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to clarify my position regarding my brief involvement with Aldershot and Kettering.

 

“In the instance of Aldershot, having followed the fortunes of the club during the early 90's, I approached their chairman and offered to help them. However, after a few months during which I personally financed the players' wages and covered the rent of the ground, following a disagreement with fellow directors over the future of the club, I severed my connections, withdrew my funding and called in the police to investigate the irregularities I uncovered.

 

“With regard to Kettering Town, following a contact made whilst at Aldershot, I was asked if I would be interested in getting involved with Kettering. In reality my involvement lasted just a number of weeks. Although flattered to be initially asked to join the board, it soon became apparent that all was not well and again I severed my connection with them.

 

“So in total, my involvement previously in football was brief, and personally disappointing and not without considerable personal expense. And there has never been any suggestion of my being involved in any wrong-doing.

 

“I have not changed my position with regard to my financial commitments to ITFC. I am a supporter albeit of late a long-distance supporter from the US and Dubai.

 

“I look forward to seeing the club benefit from this investment in the future.”

 

Source: Evening Star

 

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