The businessman who bought a 10% stake in Southampton on Friday has denied any links to the Andrew Strode-Gibbons consortium hoping to buy the club. Michael Wilde, chairman of Merlion Group Plc, bought 2,542,737 shares in Southampton Leisure Holdings plc from Saints director Paul Thompson.
A statement said: "Wilde wishes to stress he is acting alone. He has no connection with Andrew Strode-Gibbons."
It is uncertain what effect the move will have on chairman Rupert Lowe.
If Wilde opts to increase his holding, under-fire Lowe could face a shareholders' vote to remove him from the Saints board.
Wilde, however, insists he has the club's best interests at heart.
His statement continued: "He has purchased these shares as a long-standing fan of Southampton Football Club.
"He is a committed supporter and his interest is in the long-term success and future of the club. Any future plans will be with that objective in mind."
Strode-Gibbons admitted last week that a consortium was being put together to take over from Lowe.
MMIX
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