Motherwell investor pulls out as ex Netflix supremo detects 'significant divisions' in fan base

Motherwell have announced that Netflix vice-president Erik Barmack and Wild Sheep Sports have pulled out of plans to invest in the club.

The Scottish Premiership club's board received backlash from fans over the plans for a £1.95million cash injection which would see control of the club shift to Erik and Courtney Barmack (Wild Sheep Sports) and ultimately end a period of fan ownership. Motherwell's majority shareholder, the Well Society fans' group, urged members to reject the proposal fearing their control of the club would be diluted by the investment from the US TV executives.

The Lanarkshire board responded by amending the deal to allow the fan ownership vehicle - which currently holds a 71 per cent stake - to maintain a majority shareholding of 50.1 per cent. However, following further takes with the American businessman the deal has been taken off the table going into the new season for Stuart Kettlewell's side.

A club statement read: "Erik Barmack (Wild Sheep Sports) has had further discussions with the club Board over the past few days. As a result, Erik has decided to withdraw his offer of investment into Motherwell FC. Consequently, the club shareholder ballot will cease with immediate effect and with no counting of the votes cast to date.

"Erik’s intention from the outset has been to play a part in moving the club forward. That can only be achieved with a unified fanbase.

"However, it has become increasingly clear that the discussions around his proposal are creating significant divisions within the fanbase. Such divisions cannot be in the best interests of the club. The club board have informed the Well Society Board of Erik’s decision, and both parties are fully committed to working together for a positive