No need for panic on the Wirral

12/03/2024 05:31 AM

Fans of League Two side Tranmere Rovers (once in the second tier) noticed last week that their club had borrowed money from a company owned by former Port Vale boss Norman Smurthwaite. The 64-year-old businessman did not sell up at the latter club on the best of terms with their fanbase, so Tranmere supporters were quick to share their dismay as they thought this must mean the proposed takeover by American celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina and friends was off, to be replaced by Smurthwaite.

The Athletic, however, has been assured that Tacopina and company are still trying to close the deal and Smurthwaite, who gets on well with Tranmere's current owners Mark and Nicola Palios, is merely a lender.