David Sharpe (left) and Dave Whelan

The vote was expected to be little more than a formality, and indeed 99.9997 per cent (771,839,355 votes) gave it their backing with 0.0003 per cent (2,000 votes) against.

This weekend’s home game against Leeds United will formally mark the handing over of power from the Whelan family, who have steered the club to unprecedented glory and incredible memories over the last 23 years.

The deal, believed to worth just over £22million, also includes the DW Stadium, the Training Centre at Euxton, the club’s Academy home at Christopher Park and the site of the old ‘Sharpy’s’ restaurant next to the stadium.

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“The Company is pleased to announce that the ordinary resolutions as set out in the Notice were duly passed by the Shareholders by way of poll at the EGM held on Friday, 2 November 2018,” an IEC statement read.

All four of the following motions were passed by the same 99.9997 per cent vote:-

* To approve, confirm and ratify the Share Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder and authorise any one or more of the Directors to take all steps necessary or expedient in his/her opinion to implement and/or give effect to the Share Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder.

* To approve, confirm and ratify the Property Agreement A and the transactions contemplated thereunder and authorise any one or more of the Directors to take all steps necessary or expedient in his/her opinion to implement and/or give effect to the Property Agreement A and the transactions contemplated thereunder.

* To approve, confirm and ratify the Property Agreement B and the transactions contemplated thereunder and authorise any one or more of the Directors to take all steps necessary or expedient in his/her opinion to implement and/or give effect to the Property Agreement B and the transactions contemplated thereunder.

* To approve, confirm and ratify the Property Agreement C and the transactions contemplated thereunder and authorise any one or more of the Directors to take all steps necessary or expedient in his/her opinion to implement and/or give effect to the Property Agreement C and the transactions contemplated thereunder.