Notts County investment in doubt

Notts County chairman John Armstrong-Holmes fears a proposed �2m investment into the club is in jeopardy now the deal is out in the open.

Armstrong-Holmes has confirmed the club have been in negotiations with a group of local businessmen since September.

But he says he cannot discuss details because of a confidentiality agreement.

"It's unfortunate irresponsible talk has caused information to leak out. It could jeopardise negotiations at a critical stage," Armstong-Holmes said.

"Once it was clear that the story had broken, it was only sensible for me to confirm the interest because rumours were flying around that were way off the mark.

Until the expression of interest becomes a firm proposal, there is nothing more to be said

John Armstrong-Holmes

"But I am bound by a legal confidentiality agreement from discussing details and I fully intend to abide by that."

The chairman has always maintained that although the Supporters' Trust are major shareholders at Meadow Lane, investors would be warmly welcomed - providing it is on the right terms.

He added: "As soon as the expression of interest was received, I made that known to directors of the Football Club, the shareholders and the chairman of the Supporters' Trust Board.

"Until it gets to the stage where the expression of interest becomes a firm proposal, there is nothing more to be said."

The club's Supporters' Trust, which owns the majority of shares in County, held an emergency meeting on Monday night to discuss the possible deal.