TWO brothers are poised to take control of Macclesfield Football Club.

London businessmen Amar and Bashar Alkadhi now own more shares than anyone else and may increase their stake beyond the magic 51 per cent mark in the coming months.

The brothers, who ploughed £100,000 into the club last March, own 320,000 of the 650,000 shares already sold - or just under 50pc.

At the club's AGM on Thursday evening, shareholders followed the advice of the board and voted to scrap the rule that no one could own more than 50pc of the total number of shares.

They also voted to double the number of shares that are available to buy, from one million to two million.

Robert Bickerton, club chairman, said: "Prior to the AGM about 650,000 of the one million shares had been sold to a whole variety of people."

"By increasing the share capital from one to two million, it now means we have about 1,350,000 available to whoever wants to buy them, subject to board approval."

"We have increased the share capital that is available for sale, but that doesn't mean anyone will buy them."

"Having said that, I believe Amar and Bashar do intend to buy a significant number of shares."

The brothers are involved in the telecommunications business with their firm, Allied TC, based in West Acton in London.

They bought the latest lot of shares at the premium price of £1.50, compared to the normal £1 value.

"We've worked with Amar and Bashar for a year now; we have got to know them and they have got to know us. When you consider what makes a football club successful these days, it's vital that we encourage cash funding."

"It is a very positive thing for Macclesfield Town that people are involved that have cash to put in at this level."

"The money they have put into the club to buy shares has been used to improve the situation at the club. That includes improving the players' changing facilities, refurbishing the boardroom and, mostly, improving the wages we offer for players."

"At the end of the day, it is the desire of the board and everyone at the club to improve the football."

After the initial £100,000 investment, Bashar Alkadhi told the Express: "We're very excited about our involvement, it's a very good club."

"My brother's partner is from the area and we both worked up there a while ago. We're passionate about football and have been looking to get involved for a while."

"When this opportunity came up we liked what we saw."