Wednesday fan group recommends takeover

Sheffield Wednesday's proposed takeover has edged a step closer after supporters' group Wednesdayite urged members to vote in favour of selling their shares.

The Geoff Sheard consortium, which has already agreed to buy former chairman Dave Allen's shares, recently made a formal offer for Wednesdayite's 10 per cent stake in the Championship club. Wednesdayite, the second biggest shareholder, will announce the result of the vote at a meeting on 6 August after allowing members 14 days to consider Sheard's bid.

Members of the fans group must first agree to change the rules that currently prevent them from selling their shares and then vote on whether to accept the offer.

A Wednesdayite statement read: "The Wednesdayite board is recommending that members vote 'yes' to the rule change and 'yes' to the sale of our holding." Sheffield Wednesday's board of directors later issued a statement confirming they approved of the vote.

Elsewhere, Reading have signed striker Noel Hunt from Dundee United after the Scottish club accepted an improved bid. The 25-year-old has secured a three-year contract with the Championship side after United agreed an undisclosed fee thought to be around £600,000.