Brad Friedel joins Scott Davidson group pursuing Shrewsbury Town takeover

Brad Friedel has emerged as part of the American group seeking to buy Shrewsbury Town, with the former United States goalkeeper supporting prospective owner Scott Davidson. BBC Sport, citing BBC Shropshire, reported that both men would join the League Two club's board under the proposed deal. Negotiations remain under way, with completion expected within the next few weeks rather than already secured.

Davidson, a 58-year-old American based in Miami, has passed the owners' and directors' test. It was confirmed on Monday that the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator had cleared him to proceed with the takeover. The talks could bring an end to the tenure of 85-year-old chairman Roland Wycherley, who has led Shrewsbury for three decades. Regulatory approval is therefore a completed step, while the ownership change remains pending.

The prospective buyer has an existing involvement in British football through Spartans. Davidson has been a director of the Scottish League Two club since July 2021 and is its majority shareholder. During his involvement, Spartans have won promotion from the Lowland League. He has also contributed to the development of the club's football foundation, giving him experience beyond the senior team's on-field operations.

Davidson's business background is in commercial real estate. BBC Sport reported that he studied at the Yale School of Management and spent 12 years as a managing director at JPMorganChase. He also holds a UEFA A coaching licence, which the report described as part of his efforts to understand the needs of a football manager.

Friedel has taken an active supporting role throughout the acquisition process. The Ohio-born former goalkeeper retired in 2015 at the age of 44 after making 668 senior professional appearances across a 20-year career. His total included 476 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 55-year-old also earned 82 caps for the United States and was selected for three World Cup squads. After his playing career, he managed New England Revolution from 2017 to 2019 and worked as a broadcaster. His involvement would bring playing and managerial experience to Shrewsbury's board if the takeover is completed.