Jabara explains why he’s encouraged Fowler to get on board

LAST month, Lincoln City announced they had a new investor, with the former executive chairman and co-owner of Major League Baseball side San Diego Padres, Ron Fowler, buying a minority stake. American Fowler and his son Andrew, through their Liquid Investment business, have taken a 12.6% share in Lincoln’s parent company. Fowler had a pre-existing relationship with Lincoln’s biggest shareholder Harvey Jabara, who encouraged him to invest. Having taken time to meet other figures at the club, the American is said to have put in a “seven-figure” sum to boost Lincoln’s finances. Ron Fowler told the club website: “I

have a lot of respect for Harvey and it was clear when I met Clive and Liam that these were people I could work with. I have experienced success in the sporting world, both in baseball and football, and look forward to contributing to City’s continued growth quietly in the background.” Ron led the ownership group and acted as executive chairman and control person for Major League Baseball side the San Diego Padres from 2012 to 2020, and was previously owner/managing general partner of the San Diego Sockers football team. His expertise makes him an appropriate investor for the club, who believe Fowler’s sporting ideals connect with theirs as they look to

continue developing. Jabara explained: “Ron is a serial winner both in his business and sports interests, not to mention his incredible passion to give back to his community, leading significant philanthropic endeavours benefitting countless individuals and organisations over many decades. “He has been very generous with his time and advice to me over many years, and his leadership of the San Diego Sockers and the Padres has been a model for my involvement in Lincoln City. At no time in my professional career has someone reminded me more of my father than Ron. With that, I have no higher praise for an individual. I felt it was important

to really get to know this club and its fans, as well as the city, before asking for investment from colleagues. I believe we have truly progressed as a club under Clive’s leadership, developing our infrastructure and investing in permanent signings, and the opportunity to call upon Ron and Andrew for advice will help us continue to develop.” City chairman Clive Nates added: “From the moment I met with Ron there was an instant connection and I could see his approach would mirror the way we try to conduct ourselves at Lincoln City. It’s very clear we are aligned in how a sports organisation should be run and its obligations to its supporters and community.”