Takeover is on track

The Charlton takeover is on track after concerns were raised by the EFL about the Abu Dhabi consortium's links to Manchester City. Assurances have been given that the readies are coming from private funds and it is not a backdoor takeover by global football business City Football Group: Takeover latest

The collapse of Bury has put increasing pressure on the EFL to ensure that its tests are stringent. The EFL's conduct was criticised by a House of Commons committee.

The role of the Gulf States in football is a very interesting topic as we enter the 3rd decade of the century. It is in large part an exercise of 'soft' power. China has also seen its potential and has taken a stake in City Football Group which is the first really global football business.

Charlton will be thus moving in with the movers and shakers of global football, something that not every fan will like but probably unavoidable if the club is to succeed. At least it beats being owned by a tinpot Belgian.

Agenda Publishing will be bringing out Kieran Maguire's book on these topics next month and my own book is due for submission to the Newcastle and Stratford upon Avon based publishers in July.