Chelsea Supporters' Trust speak out on Ricketts Family takeover bid

Chelsea Supporters' Trust have thanked the Ricketts family for meeting with them earlier this week but remain unconvinced over their ability to run an 'inclusive, successful club'.

Consortiums led by US billionaire Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton have both been included on the shortlist to become the next owners of Chelsea, while the situation around the Ricketts family has remained uncertain. Raine Group have previously said they would make the list of preferred bidders public but there is yet to be confirmation over whether the Ricketts family made the cut.

The group have been met with a #notoRicketts campaign on social media, with supporters upset by historical racist comments made. Reports on Thursday evening suggested they did not made the final groups under consideration but the family's spokesman is yet to comment.

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A selection of groups have already been told they are out of the running, including that headed by Nick Candy and also the Saudi Media group, who were first to go public with their rejection. While there had been the suggestion that a takeover could be completed in time for Chelsea's match against Brentford, that is now deemed impoosible.

The Blues' supporters' trust have noted that any prospective owner must have the confidence of the fanbase, and once again reinforced their belief that a golden share should be provided.

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust statement reads: "The first and most important purpose of the CST is to represent the interests of our members, and Chelsea supporters. It is important to clarify that the decision on who the successful bidder is will be made by Chelsea FC, Raine Group