It’s always good when stories drop into your lap and today was one of those days. Granted it happens a lot in football across the globe and with non-league football in this country there is always something to notice and pass opinion on.
People buy football clubs all the time, but they are custodians passing through, some often forget that line and turn it into a personal play thing, forgetting lives and institutions are on the line and not something to just be tossed aside.
The more controversial the buyer and his/her means the more publicity coming their way but not always for the better. The more high profile the better the column inches.
We’ve been present through the Class of ’92 becoming the driving vehicle of Salford City, Glenn Tamplin attracting former Premier and Football League players to Billericay and more recently the Hollywood influence on Wrexham ending their 14 year stay in the non-league echelons.
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It’s always good when stories drop into your lap and today was one of those days. Granted it happens a lot in football across the globe and with non-league football in this country there is always something to notice and pass opinion on.
People buy football clubs all the time, but they are custodians passing through, some often forget that line and turn it into a personal play thing, forgetting lives and institutions are on the line and not something to just be tossed aside.
The more controversial the buyer and his/her means the more publicity coming their way but not always for the better. The more high profile the better the column inches.
We’ve been present through the Class of ’92 becoming the driving vehicle of Salford City, Glenn Tamplin attracting former Premier and Football League players to Billericay and more recently the Hollywood influence on Wrexham ending their 14 year stay in the non-league echelons.
Recently in the Non League Paper, Michail Antonio of West Ham Utd but with non-league grounding talked of returning to where he came from and buying a grassroots club once his playing days were over at the top level, Tooting & Mitcham where it all started for the striker could actually do with his help currently.
On Tuesday this week Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha went one better and in partnership with Stormzy and Danny Young purchased lock, stock and barrel AFC Croydon Athletic.
The deal of course is still subject to the full ratification by the authorities but they will own the full lot of this Step 5 club. For those of you who aren’t aware The Rams are currently in the Combined Counties Premier Division South and are gearing up for the new season which will begin in around five weeks’ time.
Former Holmesdale boss Lee Roots who I’ve met on a couple of occasions was appointed joint boss alongside Kevin Rayner after the end of last season and their new owners will no doubt raise the profile of the club as time moves on.
So far there hasn’t been a lot more said and no doubt more information will follow in the days to come, the comments so far across social media are quite positive on the situation and it will be of much interest to hear what the plans are from the three owners.
My question is do you think this a sign of things to come? We all know football clubs move quicker in most cases when backed by money, players coming out of the pro game always want to stay involved, it’s been their life for most of their time on earth and seems pretty sensible in the main.
We often see businessmen putting money into non-league clubs and wonder why there isn’t a return or they overspend and put the entire history and future into clouds of doubt. A double or triple act of those who know the game, those who can provide the financial backing and those who can run a club without sending it spiralling out of control sounds a recipe for success.
Like everything else it’s not guaranteed to happen. Zaha being a local boy will bring a lot more to the party, an identity for kids who aspire to play professional football, it’s certainly something that could be replicated across the country without doubt, maybe a return to clubs run by football people but provided with sensible backing to make it a success.
More than likely this won’t be the last case to happen, many no doubt will be looking to see if it works and if it’s something they can get involved in once playing days are done.
For a long time the call has been for former players to pick up the whistle and provide their experience there, this may be a more favourable way that ex-players stay involved, it’s certainly a story that will capture interest and put the Rams on the map, keep your eyes on this one!
How would you feel about your club being bought by a current or ex-player that could push the club onto the next few levels? Will it cause instability with those currently managing or be a welcome addition? Let me know in the comments below.
