A consortium fronted by former Premier League striker Victor Anichebe is reportedly in advanced talks to secure a takeover bid for League One club Bromley. The same player also holds the key to saving National League club Gateshead from liquidation.
Anichebe leads Bromley bid
Anichebe, 38, who played for Everton, West Brom and Sunderland, is said to be fronting a consortium in advanced talks to buy Bromley. According to Pete O'Rourke, the consortium is already heavily involved in club matters.
Bromley gained promotion from League Two last season but currently sit bottom of the third tier. Promotion-winning manager Andy Woodman was sacked at the end of October after five-and-a-half years, having guided the club into the Football League and won the League Two title last year.
Gateshead on the brink
Anichebe is also part of a consortium still involved with bottom-of-the-table National League Gateshead, who are on the brink of liquidation over crippling debts. Gateshead could be wound up after reportedly being given a Wednesday deadline before formal demands are made on them.
According to the Daily Mail, the club were given just seven days to clear outstanding PAYE and VAT payments thought to be worth over £200,000. It is also believed that players and staff were not paid for their work last month.
Shoreline holds the key
The club could be saved by a potential takeover deal from American private investment group Flacks Group, but the deal is currently being held up by Shoreline Limited. Anichebe, who played 11 times for Nigeria and spent 10 consecutive years in the top flight, including eight at Everton, fronts Shoreline.
Shoreline attempted to buy Gateshead during the 2024/2025 season and is required to sign a waiver over money they claim they are owed by the club's former shareholders. If the waiver is signed, Flacks Group would be clear to take control of the club, and Shoreline would reportedly be able to pursue their owed money from shareholders separately.
Bromley are set to appoint former Liverpool coach and Salford City manager Karl Robinson as boss, with Jermain Defoe as assistant.
