The Ricketts family have revealed their eight-point vision for the future of Chelsea after fans called on them to go public with their promises.
The owners of the Chicago Cubs had already outlined their plans during meetings with supporter groups, but have still faced a backlash on social media.
On Saturday around 100 fans gathered for a modest protest against their bid to buy out Roman Abramovich, while plans to erect a ‘NoToRicketts’ banner inside Stamford Bridge were dropped at the last minute.
The US family remain as determined as ever to take over and have strengthened their bid with the addition of the owners of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team to their consortium.
Rock Entertainment Group – led by Dan Gilbert, who is worth around £23billion – are significant investors in the bid.
The family have outlined their determination to redevelop Stamford Bridge and continue to provide the funds that will keep Chelsea at the top of European football.
They have also vowed to never be part of any attempts to resurrect a European Super League, as well as maintain a diverse and inclusive club, offering prominent roles to the Supporters’ Trust and Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC.
The Ricketts’ are on a shortlist of four bidders, who must submit final offers for the club by April 11.
Sir Martin Broughton, Todd Boehly and Stephen Pagliuca are also vying to take charge, with a preferred bidder to be presented to the Treasury around April 18.
Despite fan unrest relating to historic racist emails sent by the Ricketts family’s patriarch, Joe, who is not involved in the bid, they are still seen as one of the strongest candidates.
