Cobh Ramblers are the latest club in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland to announce an acquisition by overseas investors, with the Men’s First Division Club now in the ownership of FC32.

The new owners are described as ‘a global football ownership group dedicated to maximising player development and unlocking athletes’ full potential across women’s and men’s teams and academies worldwide.’

They already own Austrian club SKN St Polten who play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Cobh does not yet have a women’s team, but that is one of the first areas of development, and the new owners say it will be up and running by 2026.

The credentials of the individuals behind the new ownership are impeccable.

Paul Francis is a former senior executive at Nike and Adidas, serving as Global Head of Sports Science at the latter between 2017 and 2021. He has also held advisory roles at the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Strava and the Italian Olympic Committee CONI.

Deanna Brown brings rich media experience, having held senior roles at Yahoo, Condé Nast, and SXSW.

Treaty United and Drogheda United were the two more recent clubs to be purchased by international investment groups from across the Atlantic and have shown a greater measure of stability than the multi-club model buyers that were previously involved with Shelbourne and Dundalk.

The idea is clearly developing though, and with the power of engagement with global audiences of European club football showing no sign of abating, that was perhaps always inevitable.

It is part of the changing face of League of Ireland Football.

Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Galway United, St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City, and others have wealthy individuals backing the clubs. Then there are the wholly community-owned ones, including Bohemians, where there is strenuous debate among fan groups currently about the appointment of independent directors.

It takes a lot of ingredients to make the most appealing fare.

“Our focus is on player development and high performance,” said Paul Francis. “We aim to partner with Cobh Ramblers to build a world-class talent pipeline and elevate the club to new heights.

“We will invest in world-class operations at St. Colman’s Park, fostering a commitment to development and high performance.”

“The community’s support is vital, and we look forward to accelerating growth while honouring the club’s rich tradition,” added Deanna Brown.

Chair Bill O’Leary appears to be staying on board in the role. Yesterday, he said, “We are proud to partner with FC32, who share our vision for the club’s future.”

“The Board of Management and our club members are excited and hugely in favour of this potentially transformative deal. It recognizes our history, our relatively strong operating and financial models and positions us for growth in so many areas into the future.”

 

 

 

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