Brentford Fan Puts £3m Into Club - 23/01/2007

Cash strapped Brentford have received a welcome lifeline with fan Matthew Benham paying out nearly £3m to take over some of the League One club's loans. Benham has taken over a £2m bank loan and also paid ex-chairman Ron Noades' company £940,100 for a £1m loan. Benham will hold both interest free for five years while Noades has written off a £250,000 payment that was due. This will immediately save the club £150,000 a year in interest charges. Chairman Greg Dyke commented, "This is welcome boost to our efforts to reduce debts and survive until we can buy a new stadium. The club is currently facing an uphill battle to stay in League One and as a business there are some tough challenges to face." In the past two months fund raising efforts by fans have brought in over £30,000 to help strengthen the squad with loan signings.