One Direction Star Seals Doncaster Rovers Takeover

One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and former Doncaster Rovers owner John Ryan have completed the takeover of the League One outfit, a spokesman for Ryan has said.

The duo will become co-chairmen and equal partners after buying out majority shareholders Terry Bramall and Dick Watson.

A deal had been close before but a move was twice delayed because of negotiations over image rights.

Ryan’s spokesman said: “It’s done, the takeover is complete.”

Tomlinson, 22, was born in Doncaster and is a lifelong supporter of Rovers; he also played for their reserve team against Rotherham in February.

Ryan, who ended his 15-year association with Rovers in November, will be the lesser known of the two men but will doubtless be the more hands-on.

The businessman has extensive football experience and oversaw Doncaster’s rise from non-league to the Championship as well as their move from Belle Vue to the Keepmoat Stadium before stepping aside in November to allow Terry Bramall and Dick Watson to take over.