Bassini claims he hasn't been 'given a chance' (From This Is Local London)

Watford owner Laurence Bassini releases statement as Pozzo takeover nears completion

2:27pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Latest Sport

Watford owner Laurence Bassini has released a statement on the club's website claiming Hornets staff and the media who cover the club "have not given him a chance".

The full statement read: "I'm aware there have been plenty of rumours regarding myself and the club.

"Since day one I don't think people have given me a chance and I include both people within the club and the media in that category.

"Over the last 15 months or so Watford Football Club has achieved a lot.

"When I arrived at the club it was facing administration and I put in several millions to keep the club going.

"Our current season tickets sales for 2012/13 at this stage of the summer are our highest for a number of years, while on the football side of things the team and management achieved this club's highest league position for five years after we brought in 11 new players to strengthen the squad.

"Work is currently progressing on a new pitch, this will already add to the investment we have made in the stadium since I've been at the club. A new giant screen has been installed, a new PA system is in place while seats have also been replaced.

"The Red Lion, which was a depreciating asset, has been refurbished to provide a home for supporters.

"These are all good positive things for the Football Club and the supporters.

"I do not know why people want to spread rumours about me.

"It is very wrong and I think people have short memories.

"All of the things I mentioned above are positive things for the club. I fail to understand what we have done wrong at the club "I have never taken a penny out of the club and I can prove that on the balance sheet.

"If there have been difficulties recently it is because I have been trying to pay off the bond holders and Barclays Bank.

"Going forward I have protection for the club. In response to press reports I never said I would receive £12million for the club.

"To date, I haven't seen the substantial proof of funds the prospective owners have to run the club going forward, but I understand that the bondholders are satisfied.

"To date, I have not met the Pozzo Family but my representatives have.

"I would like to reiterate how much I care about this Football Club, I don't think people understand that I care what happens to this Club.

"I know there have been people doing things they shouldn't have been doing at the club, they have been found out and have left. Since then they've been spreading rumours about myself."

To read our report regarding the Hornets takeover from earlier this afternoon, click here.