CPFC 2010 named as preferred buyers

by Daniel Jones

A CONSORTIUM of wealthy Palace fans have been installed as the club's preferred buyers after proving funds at the end of last week.

The group - known only as CPFC 2010 - were the only party to meet last Friday's deadline to place £10 million into a UK solicitor's bank account and move the deal onto its next step.

CPFC 2010 - believed to be headed by Chief Executive of TAG Worldwide Steve Parish - will now work alongside administrator Brendan Guilfoyle until a deal is finalised.

However, the consortium have made it perfectly clear that the takeover will only go through if they can guarantee a purchase of Selhurst Park.

The ground is currently in the hands of PricewaterhouseCoopers after owners Rock Joint Ventures went into administration.

Brendan Guilfoyle said: "I am very pleased to have granted preferred bidder status to the CPFC 2010 Consortium.

"I am satisfied that they have the finances and the ability to purchase the Club and reach agreement with the creditors of the club.

"The key to the proposed sale is the stadium and I am hopeful that the CPFC 2010 Consortium can have constructive negotiations with the stadium administrator, Laurie Manson.

"However, time is of the essence, I think everyone knows that I am not currently funded beyond the last game of the 2009/10 season."

A spokesman for the CPFC 2010 Consortium, radio disc jockey David Jensen, said: " I am pleased to be assisting the CPFC 2010 Consortium who are grateful and privileged to be granted preferred bidder status.

"Like me, the club is important to them and they have come forward with an offer to save the club from closure.

"The CPFC 2010 consortium is well funded and can complete the transaction, however, they want the maximum investment to move the club forward.

Should anyone be interested in joining the CPFC 2010 Consortium, they should contact the Administrators."