THE forthcoming investment in Barrow is set to be “a tremendous amount” – and the man writing the cheques is doing it to honour the memory of his late father.
Businessman Paul Casson’s takeover of the Skrill North club has been approved by the its members, with over 90 per cent giving the green light to the sale of the Cumbrian club.
Casson, who made his millions in the States through his IT company, himself has no football background.
But his late father Walter, who died last year, was a lifelong Bluebird – and his son says he is tasking himself with the job of returning the club to the Football League in his name.
Outgoing chairman Brian Keen says once the takeover has been ratified by the Football Association and the Conference, the sky’s the limit.
Keen, at the helm for over 14 years, said: “The supporters must get right behind this, they have made their choice and now the new man needs their full backing.
“Paul is not what you would describe as a big football supporter as such, but he has his reasons for making such a sizeable investment – this looks like it will be an expensive hobby for him!
“His father was an out and out Barrovian, he loved the club dearly. It was his wish for Barrow to get back into the Football League one day and his son is obviously dead set on making that happen.
“It’s a wonderful story, an involvement because of his dad’s dream. I’ve loved my time at the club but now perhaps is a time to get my golf handicap back down!”
Keen says fans can expect some solid investment in the team as they chase promotion back into Non-League‘s top tier.
Manager Darren Edmondson has been assured of his job after an upturn in results following his arrival from Workington in December as Barrow plot their way back.
Keen added: “The money which will be put forward is a tremendous amount. I’m sure millions over the next few years. It will go towards the playing budget and also the general upkeep of the club.
“It’s a substantial sum. He wants to build something in memory of his dad and feels attempting to return the club to its former glories is the best way to do that. It’s an exciting time.”
