ALFRETON TOWN have become the latest English club to receive investment from the United States – with the American group hoping to unlock the Reds’ “great potential”.
Legend Football Partners, a partnership between Texas-based Playbook Management International (PMI) and 1836 Capital, have acquired a stake in the Vanarama Conference club from owner Wayne Bradley.
Bradley has retained interest in the club and has three seats on the Reds’ board with the other three to be taken up by LFP representatives.
The deal also begins a link between Nicky Law’s side – who are 21st in Non-League‘s top-flight – and Dallas-based club Fort Worth Vaqueros.
The club, owned by Playbook Management International, play in the National Premier Soccer League which is the fourth division of US soccer’s professional structure. There is also potential for players to turn out for both clubs.
Managing director of 1836 Capital Jonathan Collura, said: “We have created an innovative ownership group with a successful sports management company, a stellar financial management group and passionate, fully committed local Alfreton Town ownership in England.
“This unique partnership is well positioned to help Alfreton Town Football Club realise the great potential that we believe the club has both on and off the field.”
Bradley added: “I have been honoured to have been Alfreton chairman for the past 16 years. During my time as chairman I have overseen the club through four promotions, and won numerous cups and trophies in addition to generating substantial income via player transfer sales.
“I have made it clear throughout my period as chairman that my main aim would be to achieve a place in the future of the game.
“The development of the game on a world stage progresses at pace and the challenge for Alfreton Town FC continues to mount.
“Therefore, when the opportunity to link with like-minded individuals in the United States of America, I had no hesitation in exploring and developing those links to the good of the club.
“I firmly believe that I will have achieved my ultimate aim of securing a future for the football club in a shape that I could only have dreamed of.”
