A Shropshire football club has moved to distance itself from speculation linking it to a takeover by Powys based businessman Paul Delves.

Mr Delves, who is managing director of Powys based Montgomery Waters and Tuffins Supermarkets, joined the board at Shrewsbury Town Football Club in 2020, and has reportedly been linked with a takeover at the club.

However a statement issued by the club on behalf of current chairman Roland Wycherley stated that while the 80-year-old was looking to "secure the safe long-term future of the football club", a takeover was not said to be imminent.

"Following recent press speculation of a possible takeover at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Chairman Roland Wycherley MBE would like to dismiss any talk of an imminent takeover but would confirm that for many years he has looked to secure the safe long-term future of the Football Club," a spokesperson said.

"After 25 years at the helm, guiding the club from the Gay Meadow to the all-purpose built stadium at Oteley Road, the formation of the Club’s training ground and ensuring the financial sustainability of the Club, this is obviously a vitally important and significant decision for the Chairman in considering his successor for a Club he has devoted his life to.

"Naturally, given his commitment and affinity to the club, the Chairman has always considered the future of the club and the importance of any decision for the Club long-term.

"However, this does not mean that any decisions are close to being made."

The club added that it will not comment further on any takeover speculation.

Paul Delves was appointed vice chairman of Shrewsbury Town Football Club in April of this year and his company, Montgomery Waters, are the title sponsor for the club's ground at Oteley Road in Shrewsbury.

Following a 2-1 defeat at Ipswich on Saturday, Shrewsbury Town Football Club currently lie second from bottom in League One of the English Football League.

Montgomery Waters are based in Llandrindod Wells but have a large bottling plant in Churchstoke, while Tuffins Supermarkets is also based in the north Powys town.