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Chief Harrison buys out Ridley
By Matt Pitman
Tuesday 22nd November 2005
CHAIRMAN Martyn Harrison today increased his stake in Weymouth
Football Club.
The millionaire now owns 86 per cent of the Terras through
his Hollybush Hotels firm after buying former chairman Ian
Ridley's shareholding.
Harrison has purchased all of football journalist Ridley's
49,975 shares in the club, a four per cent stake in the Wessex
Stadium outfit. There are a total of 1.2 million shares available
in the Terras, worth 50p each.
The deal comes following a bitter year-long public row between
Harrison and Ridley which erupted after the latter was ousted
as chairman during a power-struggle at Radipole Lane.
But Harrison, who has invested more than £1m in the
Terras through his firm, today played down buying out the
club's second biggest shareholder.
He told Echosport: "Ian has previously stated he wants
to walk away from the club and recently offered his shares
for sale.
"I chose to buy them from him to take my stake in Weymouth
Football Club to 86 per cent, through my Hollybush Hotels
company. "I don't want to go over again what went on
between me and Ian previously and certainly don't want to
get involved in a public slanging match because that doesn't
do anyone any good.
"But I'm pleased to have done the deal and it's a move
I'm satisfied with."
The deal comes ahead of the club's annual general meeting
for shareholders on Sunday, December 18 at 7pm at the Riviera
Hotel in Weymouth.
Last year's event was dubbed the Rumble at the Riviera when
Harrison and Ridley verbally locked horns.
The latter issued a lengthy document questioning Harrison's
running of the Terras.
But the current chairman said he hoped next month's meeting
would be a quieter affair.
"A lot of water has passed under the bridge since last
year and I'm looking forward to the meeting," said Harrison.
"Following the formal business, a fans' , forum is planned
at around 8pm and then there will be a Christmas party featuring
a disco and buffet.
"We've had a very eventful year and the night will give
our loyal supporters the chance to sit back and reflect ahead
of the festive period." Tickets are available from the
Wessex Stadium priced £8 for supporters' club members
and £10 for non-members.
• Weymouth's Conference South clash at Hayes has been
rearranged for Tuesday, January 24.
• Seats are available on a coach running to the Terras'
match at Cambridge City in Conference South on Tuesday, November
29.
Leaving the Wessex Stadium at 1.30pm, seats cost £16.
Bookings can be made in Weymouth's club shop this Saturday
or by calling Nigel Beckett after 6pm on 01305 813529.
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