NIGEL Biddlecombe is hoping to finalise a takeover deal for Weymouth FC by the end of today.

The Terras’ director and club historian has been holding negotiations with George Rolls since the middle of last week and claims the Cambridge-based businessman has accepted a five-figure offer on behalf of his family.

Biddlecombe told Echosport: “As far as I am concerned George Rolls has given me his word he will do a deal and I am hoping it will be finalised by the end of today.

“I have made him a five-figure offer, which is not massive, but it will allow him to get out of the club with a bit of money in his pocket.

“At the same time I have got a group of people, who, if I take over, have promised substantial monies to help fund the club between now and the end of the season.

“Several businesses have also pledged substantial sponsorship for next season, a lot of which is new and some old.

“I have also received offers of money from the normal everyday supporter but I have no intention of passing on any names.”

Biddlecombe went on to add: “From my conversation with George Rolls yesterday, I felt he was happy to conclude the deal so he could depart Weymouth with good grace.

“Had it not been for George Rolls there would be no Weymouth Football Club here today but I certainly have no qualms about taking it on from here and making sure it continues to go forward.

“I have also been assured that if George Rolls does accept my offer and a deal is done, there will be no legal action taken from other sources to query the majority shareholding, which is currently in his wife’s name.

“It is a chance for a clean break for everyone without the embarrassment that would be inflicted on the club, the directors and the Rolls family if court proceedings did take place.”

Former director Paul Cocks and several supporters instructed solicitors to take legal action over the disputed shares last week.

Cocks is adamant Rolls reneged on an agreement when he acquired the shares shortly after taking over the club in November 2009 – an allegation the ex-Terras’ chairman continues to deny.

Cocks added: “It is my understanding from Nigel Biddlecombe that, assuming George Rolls transfers the majority of the disputed shareholding to him, he will immediately put it into a trust on behalf of the club, which was the original intention of Make It So Ltd.

“If that happens then everybody would be happy and the legal action would be dropped because the last thing anyone wants is for the club to be involved in court proceedings.

“I am fully behind Nigel Biddlecombe as for the first time in many years I believe he is someone that can unite everyone at the club. He seems a very knowledgeable person and fingers crossed the deal can be done.”

Rolls, who has also been involved in ongoing talks with Kettering, refused to go into too much detail about the Biddlecombe bid but he did say he would require more guarantees before any agreement could be reached.

He said: “As I have always maintained, the Rolls family will do what is best for Weymouth FC, which means we have to see proof of funds, not only for this season but for next as well, and as yet we have not seen that.”

Former Plymouth Argyle chief operating officer Tony Campbell also continues to be linked with a possible bid for the Terras after being in attendance at the club’s last two home games.