INVESTMENT NEEDED FOR CURETON

from the Hammersmith Times 28 January 2004

by Dave Evans

Aussie businessman David Thorne is back in this country and seemingly negotiating once again to invest in the club.

After the QPR board turned down an offer of 3p per share from Marylebone-based businessman Haleem Kherallah, they are supposedly courting Thorne for a better offer, believed to be around £300,000. 

Thorne was present at Saturday¹s defeat at Bournemouth, but it still remains unclear as to how serious the negotiations with the two parties really are. 

Thorne was supposed to come over to England back in October but pulled out at the last minute citing work commitments, but now he may well be back in the frame as the board look to secure the financial footing of the club. 

The statement of accounts for last year, due on December 31, 2003, has still not been delivered to Companies House which will mean a small fine for the club, but more importantly suggests that Rangers financial position is somewhat precarious.

As well as Thorne, QPR are said to be having talks with an unnamed Rangers fan about a possible investment, but the club seem determined to concentrate on attracting a number of smaller investors rather than one large bidder who will wrest complete control of the club. 

If some money is forthcoming from one of the potential backers then Holloway is likely to ask for some of it in order to lure striker Jamie Cureton to the club. 

Cureton, who played under Holloway at Bristol Rovers, almost signed for Rangers at the start of the season but instead was tempted by the cash offered by Korean outfit Busan Icons.

Just four goals in 20 games prompted the termination of his contract over there though, and Holloway will be keen to get his man at the second attempt. 

:: BACK TO FROM THE PRESS MENU ::

:: HOME PAGE ::