Ridsdale Directing Barnsley Board

Last updated : 09 September 2003 By Kevin Markey
Front-runners for the positions include former vice-chairman Barry Taylor, who introduced Ridsdale to the club, and David Walker, the former director of media and corporate affairs at Leeds United.

Multi-millionaire Barnsley supporter Patrick Cryne, who backs Ridsdale, has agreed to buy the land and stadium in a joint £5m deal with the local council but may prefer to stay off the football club board.

Ridsdale is still keen to find a place for a wealthy local businessman with the interest of the town's football team at heart.

Local developer Gordon Shepherd expressed an interest last summer but Ridsdale says he is not currently involved.

Lifelong Barnsley supporter Graham Bean, the Football Association's former compliance officer, has also offered to get involved.

"The new board will comprise no more than four people," said Ridsdale in the Yorkshire Post. "But I would welcome discussions with anyone who is prepared to assist me or put money into the club."