Tony Larvin: Hull KR investment is 'imminent' after months of negotiations

POTENTIAL new Hull KR owner Tony Larvin insists talks are in their final stages, with his first major investment into the club now 'imminent'.

The 48-year-old businessman has spent the past three months in negotiations with Rovers' owners over plans to plough up to £15m into the club.

He says those talks are now in the 'final stages', and he is in the process of transferring the first instalment of £5m into KR's account.

Such a move would immediately clear the Robins of around £2m of debt, with Larvin saying the development of a new South Stand is an early priority.

His promises of transforming the fortunes of the Red and Whites and making them a major force – including direct discussions with fans on Twitter – have been met with scepticism in some quarters.

But the former KR Colt, who attended last Sunday's game against Gateshead and will again be in the stands at MS3 Craven Park for the clash with Wigan on Sunday, insists it is now simply a formality.

"We have been a long time in negotiations and talks about my investment and I can understand why questions are being asked, but it's now a case of crossing off the final details and transferring the first funds," Larvin told the Mail.

"Unfortunately, we have been affected by the Christmas period and holidays of key people, but the first instalment of money is now imminent."

Larvin believes both the size of his pledged investment, and continued 'completely untrue' speculation and allegations over his business background on the Internet, has led to the doubters.

But he says he is willing to talk to all fans this Sunday and reassure them of his desire, and honest intentions, for the club.

"I think the size of investment we are talking about has immediately caused people to doubt me. Had it been £250,000, nobody would have questioned it," Larvin said.

"The whole thing has also been sensationalised by the stuff on the Internet.

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"I've had people contacting me on Twitter saying it will never happen. All I can say is that it will, and when it does, they can come to see me and apologise.

"Once the deal is done, we will have an open forum at Craven Park, and anybody can come and ask me anything they want. I have nothing to hide, that is not my style."

Larvin says he has now met 'all key individuals' at Rovers, including chairman Neil Hudgell, vice-chairman Rob Crossland, chief executive Mike Smith and coach Craig Sandercock.

"We all want the same thing, the best for Rovers, and that is what this is about," he added.

Should Larvin's initial £5m investment come to fruition as planned, two further payments of the same amount are expected in time.

Larvin will take full financial control, with Hudgell and Crossland remaining in their present positions on the board, but no longer needing to back the club financially.

As yet, neither Hudgell nor Crossland have made any public comment on Larvin's offer of investment into the club.

Nobody at KR was available to comment when approached yesterday.

However, sources have told the Mail Hudgell is keen to avoid the matter dragging out.

With that in mind, he is expected to make a statement outlining the club's position in the coming days.