Fomer FA chief takes control of Tranmere Rovers
LEAGUE Two football club Tranmere Rovers has been sold by veteran businessman Peter Johnson to the former boss of The Football Association and his wife.
A statement on the club’s official website confirmed that Mark and Nicola Palios have taken a controlling interest in the Birkenhead-based club.
Mr Palios, who before working as chief executive of The Football Association, made more than 280 appearances for the club in two spells during his footbal career.
While playing as a professional, he qualified as a chartered accountant and built a successful career in professional services and went on to lead PwC’s UK business regeneration team.
Nicola Palios is a highly successful commercial lawyer with significant experience in business, sport and consultancy.
Mr Palios will become executive chairman, Nicola as vice-chairman while Mr Johnson will remain a shareholder, director and become the Honorary President.
Peter Johnson said: “I have been looking for a safe pair of hands to ensure the club’s future. In Mark and Nicola I have found that. As a local lad who played for the club, and a former chief executive of The FA with a successful commercial track record, Mark is uniquely placed to help lead Tranmere to a bright future. Nicola is an accomplished lawyer and businesswoman.
“Between them, they have the passion and the experience to take the Club forward and I am looking forward to working on the board with them. Finding this mix of football and business skills is highly unusual.”
Park Group founder Mr Johnson took control of the club in 1987 after Tranmere Rovers was placed into administration.
Mark Palios said: “We are both aware of what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to become involved with this club, but it is important that we pay tribute to the support that Peter Johnson has given over many years.
“We have no illusions about the difficult environment in which lower league clubs operate but we have exciting ideas to ensure Tranmere thrives in the future as a successful and vibrant community club which is capable of sustaining itself without being reliant on a benefactor.”
