MaiL ordEr
A HOLLYWOOD film producer has helped to rescue three non-league clubs on the verge of folding.
His donations have made it pure Disney fantasy time for Northern Premier League Matlock Town, Cheshire League Denton Town and Central Midlands League Wirksworth Ivanhoe.
Florida-based Robert Molloy, who produced the worldwide hit remake of The Little Mermaid two years ago, has dug into his pockets after becoming fascinated by non-league football on the other side of the Atlantic.
After hearing that Matlock Town’s 145-year history was in grave danger he handed over £3,500 to push them closer to their survival target.
And for good measure both Denton Town and Wirksworth Ivanhoe – who were also battling to stay afloat following the coronavirus outbreak – have been given £1,000 each by Molloy (right), who is also a big American Football and baseball fan.
“Last year I decided I wanted to get to know more about non-league football in
England,” said Molloy.
“The fact, for instance, that Matlock have been around for 145 years really intrigued me.”
After hearing of their perilous plight he immediately invested and was rewarded with the offer of becoming the club’s vice-president.
“I was delighted to accept,” said Molloy. Now I hope going forward I can help the club be successful and to move up the leagues.
“I’m aiming to be there for the first home game of the new season and to meet people.”
Molloy, who is the grandson of former New York Yankees baseball owner George Steinbrenner, also injected some much-needed cash into Denton Town and Wirksworth Ivanhoe.
“No one wants these non-league clubs to close,” he added. “Hopefully I have helped them carry on.”