The takeover was very protracted but was reported as being on the verge of completed in the 22nd June issue of the Watford Observer. It appeared to be eventually confirmed on the 29th by the Evening Standard.
The following day the Independent reported Bassini said the deal was off
Michael Calvin writing in the Independent on Sunday the following day said he believed the deal would still go through.
This small article below taken from the Evening Standard on the 29th June finally confirmed the takeover had happened.
The Wikipedia article about Laurence Bassini gives more details of the takeover.
The end of a best-forgotten era. If the announcement of the takeover of Watford Football Club before the game brings new hope to supporters, then the match itself was a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done. Elton’s return, along with the presentation of the ‘player of the season’ award to Kevin Miller just seconds before kick-off and the obvious need for three points, gave the pre-match atmosphere a distinctly surreal air of expectation and celebration. By the end of the first half, it was flat as a steam-rollered hedgehog – such are the sedative powers of our brand of football…
