Businessman acquires Barrow AFC
BUSINESSMAN Paul Casson has been successful in his bid to buy Barrow’s football club, subject to FA approval.
His plans have been accepted by 90% of Barrow AFC’s members, bringing to an end the club’s membership ownership structure that has been in place for 15 years.
Mr Casson has acquired the Conference North club’s assets for £600,000 and plans to invest up to £1.8m in the first two years, to bring in new players and improve the Holker Street stadium.
The new board will consist of eight directors, with half of them – Jamie Reid, Austin Straker, Russell Dodd and Robert Kett – already appointed. A representative from the planned Supporters Trust will also be asked to join the board.
A statement from Mr Casson said the board will put together a “comprehensive business plan” with the aim of getting the club into the Football League within five years.
Mr Casson, a Barrovian who is president of the Dallas-based telecoms firm the Casson-Mark Corporation, said: “I’m extremely grateful to all the members for giving me their backing as we enter an exciting new era for Barrow AFC. There will be ups and downs along the way but I promise that I, and my fellow directors, will try our hardest to bring success to the club, which is an integral part of the town’s personality and character.
“There is no doubt there is huge potential and a loyal fanbase who will be given the opportunity at the end of year two to buy shares and have a stake in the club. We have hit the ground running and are already looking to upgrade the stadium facilities and for a club shop in the town centre.
“We want to make the town proud of its football club and get as many people from the community actively involved with it. I can’t think of a more suitable legacy for my late father who I know will be tremendously proud knowing the club in the town he loved is in his family’s stewardship.
“We are only the custodians of the club and one day it will be given back in a more financially stable position having tasted some league success and recognised as a crucial driver in the ongoing development of the town.”
In a statement the club said: “On behalf of all the directors of Barrow AFC Limited (past & present) may we take this opportunity to thank the Furness public for their support and backing over the past 15 years. We have seen many highs and lows but we pass the club on to Mr Casson and hope that he can take the club forward.”
