GEOFF Sheard's tactics in the Sheffield Wednesday takeover saga are causing surprise in the business world.
Analysts believe that his move to strike individual deals with Dave Allen and Wednesdayite goes against orthodox practice.
Sheard appears to have been operating outside the official process in which financial advisers Deloitte and Touche are identifying and vetting potential buyers of the whole club on behalf of the Owls.
Sources are puzzled about why he has sought to buy the 10 per cent stakes held by Allen and Wednesdayite rather than follow a private process that could lead to an all-encompassing solution for the club.
An insider said: "It seems that the best route for Mr Sheard would be to appoint a financial adviser and reach a solution that is the best for Wednesday."
There are fears that other potential buyers may be put off if they believe that the completion of a Sheard takeover is imminent - when in fact the door to Hillsborough is still open, though it has by no means been shut on Sheard.
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The full article contains 189 words and appears in Doncaster Star newspaper.