Tom Ricketts makes statement surrounding Chelsea takeover as groups discover who makes shortlist

Tom Ricketts, the face of the Ricketts family's attempt to buy Chelsea, has said that they will 'redouble' their efforts to persuade supporters that their stewardship of the club would have diversity and inclusion at its heart.

Groups that have been successful in making the next stage of a Chelsea takeover started to emerge on Thursday evening with consortiums led by US billionaire Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton being the first released. The status of the Ricketts' bid has remained uncertain, with some reports suggesting they had missed the cut, but they have not specifically commented on their progress. Raine Group, the US-based merchant bank overseeing the process, have previously said they would make the list of preferred bidders public.

However, in a statement released on Friday afternoon, Ricketts' seemed to suggest that door remains open for them to persuade supporters. Chelsea fans have made their feelings clear about any bid from the family, with a #notoRicketts campaign launched on social media. The pushback started due to historical racist comments made.

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Nevertheless Chelsea's supporters' trust engaged in dialogue, as they had with other prospective owners, and met the Ricketts family this week. The Chelsea Supporters' Trust made clear their opposition to any bid from the Ricketts family progressing. The group noted they remain unconvinced over Ricketts' ability to run an 'inclusive, successful club' in a statement.

It appears that Ricketts has been unperturbed by the pushback, and he praised the passion of Chelsea fans, announcing his intention to demonstrate the commitment his family have to working with fans to protect the heritage