STEWART Donald has this morning told the Oxford Mail he is prepared to back Charlie Methven’s consortium with 'substantial funds' in their takeover bid for Oxford United.

A group of Oxfordshire businessmen led by Methven revealed last week they had held talks with U’s owner Ian Lenagan about a potential deal. This morning it was confirmed a formal offer had been submitted.

They face a rival bid from a consortium led by Mark Ashton and Darryl Eales, who appear to be the frontrunners with rumours emerging that they may even have signed a deal in principle.

However Donald, a lifelong U’s fan whose company, Bridle Insurance, were previously club sponsors, is happy to back Methven’s group.

“I was approached by Charlie Methven about helping them out, and I have agreed to do this,” he said.

“I am a huge Oxford United fan and feel that the club are at a critical stage of their future.”

Donald owns Conference South club Eastleigh, but says his involvement in Oxford will have no bearing on that.

“None whatsoever,” he said.

“It does not impact at all. I am fully committed to Eastleigh and I am in the middle of a project there, maybe not even in the middle.

“I cannot own more than ten per cent of another club because of that involvement, so it will have no impact at all.

“I am doing this because I know my funds will be used for the good of Oxford United Football Club.”

When asked about the amount he would be putting in, Donald replied: "Substantial. That's the best way to put it."

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