Gloucester not for sale
September 04 2008
Gloucester Chairman Tom Walkinshaw has moved to quash rumours that a stake in the club is up for sale.
Several reports had suggested that the club was of interest to several businesses in the Middle East, but Walkinshaw denied any such links.
"I can categorically say Gloucester Rugby is not for sale," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
"We haven't had any approaches, direct or indirect, we have no plans to sell and have no intention of giving up majority control."
Having become involved in the club back in 1997 Walkinshaw has helped them develop into one of England's leading sides, as well as the development of the new stand at Kingsholm.
He suggested Gloucester may look at getting financial support to further improve the ground.
"We may look at bringing in partners because we want to keep growing so we can compete domestically and internationally," he said.
"We want a larger ground so the fans who want to come can do so and we want to do that as fast as we possibly can.
Walkinshaw also said the club are united and are targeting further success on the pitch.
"We are all of one mind at the club - the players and the support staff," he added.
"We have finished top of the Premiership in three of the last five seasons, we want to deliver in the play-offs but we really want to win the Heineken Cup."
However Gloucester will be without second row Adam Eustace for the start of the season. Eustace has broken a bone in his foot and will be sidelined for at least three weeks.
"He's broken a bone in his foot, it'll be a couple of weeks but we hope to see him back soon," Head Coach Dean Ryan said.
Ryan has also confirmed Olly Barkley is progressing well after injuring his wrist on international duty for England early this year.
"The last couple of weeks of a fracture is always difficult but Olly is back in training, if he feels comfortable we'll move him on quite quickly," he said.