We’ll take United to fresh glories, vow new owners
Last updated 08:16, Friday, 04 July 2008
The four Cumbrian businessmen who this week became the new owners of Carlisle United say they are determined to drive the club on to greater football glory.
- Photos: the four owners
- Video: watch the press conference in full
As former owner Fred Story bowed out, the men now in charge were revealed as accountant David Allen, the club’s chairman Andrew Jenkins, managing director John Nixon, and Carlisle Glass boss Steven Pattison.
The announcement came after weeks of speculation about the sale of the club, which this year narrowly missed out on promotion to The Championship.
The news will be a bitter blow to the Dublin-based former owner John Courtenay, who had high hopes of buying United.
In a press conference at Brunton Park yesterday afternoon, David Allen unveiled the new regime, declaring that the four new owners are passionate about the club.
He said: “We are all extremely honoured to become the new owners of Carlisle United.
“All four of us are proud Cumbrians and long-term Carlisle United supporters and together we firmly believe that we can take the club forward to achieve its next goal of bringing Championship football to our home county for the first time for more than 20 years and to sustain that place in the second tier of English soccer.”
He said all four owners were true Cumbrians, all “strong characters”, and all passionate about Carlisle United.
Mr Allen confirmed that the four owners have bought the shares previously owned by Fred Story in CUFC Holdings Limited, which owns 93 per cent of the club’s shares.
Mr Allen, 40, runs the Dalston-based chartered accountancy firm David Allen & Co. He joined United as finance director last year.
He now becomes chief executive and finance director, concentrating on business and commercial aspects of the club’s running, as well as sponsorship and finances.
He has previously had close links with Fred Story, having advised him at the time he bought the club from Mr Courtenay in 2004.
Andrew Jenkins remains United’s club chairman, dealing in Football League matters and using his contacts developed over his 49 years as a director at the club.
He and his family are the people behind the successful Carlisle firm Pioneer Foods.
John Nixon continues as United’s managing director, responsible for the club’s day-to-day administration, including commercial and sponsorship issues. He is a former industrial and logistics director of the Pirelli tyre giant in Carlisle.
Steven Pattison will become United’s new football director, with special responsibility for the club’s youth development and School of Excellence. He is managing director of family firm Carlisle Glass, a long-term sponsor of the Carlisle Glass Youth Football League.
During the press conference, the new owners paid tribute to Fred Story, saying that he had brought stability to United.
The new board will be completed by Philip Day, owner and chief executive of Edinburgh Woollen Mills, Lord Clark of Windermere and Dick Young. The Carlisle United Trust, which owns 34 shares in the club, will continue to be represented by Norman Steele.
Well after watching the news conference via the internet i was a little bit disappointed. I felt it was fickle and not enough emphasis on the team. I understand the buisness side is important in any club and yes Carlisle United is a buisness lets not forget that, but there seemed to be no drive, no fire. I have been a supporter for 30 plus years and have seen managers come and go, takeovers and empty promises. Fred has done a marvelous job and I could'nt be more proud. I just hope this is not a case of de ja vu. 1.5 million in debt and selling top class players. This seems to ring a bell to me. The only difference is these guys have experience in that they have worked alongside Fred and hopefully something has rubbed off. True fans want to see some action and lets hope these guys are putting their money where there mouths are. God knows we as fans deserve something special and I think the club owe it to us. We have been to hell and back!!
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There is no doubting the contribution of Fred Storey or the commitment of fans. I can understand those who found the press conference uninspiring but let us all play to our strengths. Football is a business and the new directors have all demonstrated their acumen as business leaders, they don't aspire to be entertainers. Directors, do what you do best. Fans, continue to be fanatical giving CUFC the edge over other clubs who lack your commitment and passion. Players, deliver and follow through. Last season you showed what you are capable of, now be consistent. Good luck to all.
Posted by Andrew Hutchinson on 5 July 2008 kl. 00:35