Falkirk bidder Mark Campbell says Bairns takeover deal is ‘full steam ahead’

Mark Campbell was named as preferred bidder for the club on July 26 and had hoped to conclude a deal for the club by August 31.

But a month later the deal has yet to be concluded with the businessman who was close to taking over at Sunderland earlier this year.

He watched Saturday’s 0-0 draw with East Fife having also taken in a 3-0 triumph over Forfar earlier this month.

And he was asked in the aftermath of the match on the progress.

He tweeted: “Everything is doing great with the deal. I met the MSG on Thursday and I now have the unanimous backing of the Board and MSG to the takeover. Still some legal issues to go, but that will be down to lawyers.”

He added: “I have provided everything to the MSG and the Board and they are unanimous in the decision. It’s full steam ahead now and it’s down to the legal parties to finalise.”

Mark Campbell tries to find his seat ahead of Falkirk v East Fife kick-off. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Mr Campbell met fans in the Behind The Goals bar before the match and could be seen in The Falkirk Stadium’s main stand clutching a match ticket before finding a space at the back of the stad to watch the game.

He was named preferred bidder for the club after presenting to the Bairns’ board and major shareholders a day earlier. Alan Gow fronted a consortium of business figures who also made a pitch for the club, as did officials from the fan ownership scheme ‘Back the Bairns’. But Mr Campbell, backed by former Celtic scout John Park, was selected as the Bairns’ preference.