EX-BLACKBURN Rovers star David Whelan surprised the City today when he failed to make a bid to take full control of JJB Sports.
He had been expected to table an offer for the 61 per cent of the shares not owned by the Whelan family when the company announced its financial results for 2002.
The company said that while preparations for an offer for the company by the chairman were making progress, "it is likely to be several weeks before any offer
can be finalised".
Today's news came as the company announced a drop in full-year profit at the UK's largest sports retailer, down from £110 million to £90 million.
In his statement to shareholders, Mr Whelan paid tribute to his son-in-law Duncan Sharpe, the company's chief executive who was found hanged in Bolton-by-Bowland.
" This event cast a shadow over the year," he said. " We all miss him greatly, but I am pleased to report that his spirit and memory live on in JJB. He made a great contribution towards building the company and his legacy will always remain an important part of JJB's history."
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