BILL Archer, Albion's biggest shareholder, says Stephen Purdew's offer to invest a fortune in the club should be taken seriously.

Former chairman Archer meets today with his successor Dick Knight, the Argus can reveal.

One of the topics under discussion will be Purdew's pledge to pump millions of pounds into the club in return for a controlling interest.

Archer said he was unaware of Purdew's interest until the Argus contacted him.

"Dick asked for a meeting, because we have not been in touch for a while," he said. "I don't know what the agenda is, but I would think it is certain he is going to mention the Stephen Purdew situation.

"With any offer you have to look at what is for the good of the club. You should never kick it into touch until you explore it fully.

"We have got to have a new stadium and if there are people around to invest in the club we should look at every aspect seriously."

Archer has now recovered from a serious illness.

He no longer has a controlling interest in Albion and has resigned from the Board.

But he is still the single biggest shareholder, with a 41.25 per cent stake following the takeover deal thrashed out with Knight and the return of Ray Bloom.

"Since my illness I have been a passive shareholder," said Archer. "I have still got around £1.5 million invested in the club and Dick and the new Board are now running it.

"I've had to take things easy and I have been out of touch in day-to-day terms. My health will determine whether I pick up the cudgels again.

"I've said to Dick I will support them financially providing the club is going in the right direction.

"I will leave my money in if there is a way forward, with the Council's support. I have left it in for two years now since the takeover when everybody thought I was going to take it out."

Nick Rowe, Albion's general manager, said: "Dick and Bob Pinnock (finance director) are going to the meeting, which has been arranged for some time. That is all we have got to say at the moment."

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