OWNER ISSUES A REDD ALERT!
Takeover deal could revitalise United
DAVID Faulkner has finally completed his takeover of Redditch United – and reckons he has the platform to fulfil the club’s lofty ambitions.
Former academy coach Faulkner, who has been working as the Southern Premier Central club’s operations director for the last nine months, has formally acquired the company shares from businessman Chris Swan.
“I’m extremely proud to be able to lead the club within the next chapter of its history,” Faulkner told the club’s website. “It’s clear to see that we have a platform here to enable us to develop.
“The immediate aim is very simple; grow the club! We need more people to be associated as being members of a club that has over 125 years of history.
“Whether as a fan, junior player, corporate partner or volunteer - we need to get more people wearing our badge and building the club’s profile within the community.
Potential
“I’m incredibly committed and passionate about what we can achieve at Redditch United. I started coaching at the club in 2009 and have been associated with the club ever since.
“The last nine months managing the club full-time has enabled me to really understand how we operate and how this can be improved.
“We have the ability and platform to grow the club and develop it to its full potential. I am excited about what the future will bring for us.
“I would like to thank Chris for all the time and effort he put into the club. Looking around at the TRICO Stadium now, it gives us a great opportunity to take the club to the next level.”
Faulkner takes over a club who were only spared relegation to Step 4 by the Coronavirus crisis – now he’s calling on the community – and perhaps fellow investors – to rally together to ensure the club are looking up, not down.
“I am very keen to stress that this is not my club, this is the town’s club,” he added.
“Like any club it’s all about the people within it that matter. I can’t do anything on my own and I will be looking to get many more people involved to help guide the decisions that will define us. I’m already working on a wider ‘share ownership’ platform and would be very keen to speak to any investors who can help boost our ambitions.
Efforts
“Please support our exciting future and get involved, I am confident that the club will thrive with all of our efforts.”
Outgoing Swan, who took over the club in 2011, commented: “When my late wife Sallie and I bought the club, it was about to enter liquidation, but we could see the history, fantastic people and a tremendous opportunity. Since then over a million pounds has been invested creating the best stadium in our league with an amazing 3G facility.
“Sallie would have been exceptionally pleased with what everyone at the TRICO Stadium has achieved.
“I’m delighted that David will be taking control of ownership and into the next stage of important development. He has worked tirelessly at the club, understands how it ticks better than anyone I know and has the expertise to achieve success on the strong foundations that have been laid.”