BALL’S PLAN IS MEGA AT BUCKS

TOP Hollywood producer Chris Ball has rolled out his list of credits – this time at local football club AFC Telford United.

The Shropshire-born co-founder of Newmarket Films – who has been involved in more than 300 films including The Usual Suspects, The Prestige, Memento, Donnie Darko and The Passion of the Christ – has headed up a consortium made up of 15 US businessmen with a range of backgrounds to have purchased 21% of the club.

Ball, who grew up in Wellington, is a lifelong supporter of the Bucks and is hoping to transform the club’s fortunes having lost their Step 2 status last season.

“Being a Shropshire lad and a huge football fan, I have been a lifelong supporter of AFC Telford United,” he said.

“I am thrilled, therefore, to have been able to put together a group of close friends, who all love football to make an investment in the club.

“In our minds, the football club has to be sustainable and must endeavour to operate on a break even or near breakeven basis.

“Success on and off the pitch are very much intertwined and our consortium is looking to be an active and engaged group of investors.”

Ian Dosser, who became interim chairman when Andy Pryce stepped down last month, added: “This US consortium will bring a broad range of skills and commercial experience from their respective fields to the football club, which will enhance the experienced management board already delivering excellent results.

“We believe that this investment represents an exciting opportunity for the club.”