STOCKPORT County chairman Mike Baker has backed Cheshire Sport owner Brian Kennedy to do whatever possible to safeguard the long-term future of the Edgeley Park club.

Baker, who has taken something of a back seat during the County Supporters Trust's current negotiations with Cheshire Sport regarding a potential takeover bid, has also confirmed that he would be delighted to carry on as chairman whoever any new owners might be.

Supporters Trust chief Norman Beverley last week confirmed that Baker had been asked to stay on should the Trust's takeover bid be successful, something the current club chairman is more than happy with.

Baker told the Express: 'I would be absolutely delighted to stay on as chairman should the Trust take over.

'However, I have got a foot in both camps at the moment, although I'll do whatever I can to make sure the long-term future of Stockport County is secure.

'In principle the bid from the Trust is a very well founded idea and I am enthusiastic about it.

'The only down side is the details of any deal. There's still a lot to discuss.

'It's not just about an ownership change, but about how the club is run in the long-term.

'I've taken a step back in recent detailed negotiations because, as I say, I've got a foot in both camps and I don't want to be seen to show any bias in any direction.

'There's a mountain of things to take into account though. Things like how the two parties would interact in terms of ground ownership, what happens on a match day.

'There's the commercial side of things, the catering, all these agreements have to be in place and it's all quite complex.

'I think the current discussions with the Trust could go on for months rather than weeks though. Maybe it would suit everyone if a clean break was to be made in the close season, so that everything was in place in time for next season, whatever division County are in.'

Baker went on: 'I think Mr Kennedy would rather it be the Trust who take over. There have been a couple of other parties expressing an interest, but the Trust have County at heart at the end of the day.

'That is what Mr Kennedy wants and I do think the Trust are front runners at the moment, but they do need to satisfy Mr Kennedy and understand exactly what they're taking on.'

Baker concluded by heaping praise on new team boss Chris Turner, who he feels has made a huge impact since taking over from Sammy McIlroy just before Christmas.

'To say I'm disappointed at how the season has gone is an understatement,' said Baker, 'I'm just astounded at how badly we've done.

'Brian Kennedy made funds available at the start of the season and everybody was talking possibly of a push for the play-offs, especially after the unbeaten run at the end of last season.

'But here we are now at the opposite end of the table, it's unbelievable.

'Chris Turner has taken to his job superbly though, he's restored the enthusiasm at this club and can motivate the players.

'He's brought in a few players, albeit on loan, and they are contributing, and we've had a few decent results lately.

'Whether it's going to be too late to stave off relegation though is another question altogether, but it's certainly not over yet.'

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