AFC Telford United, a non-league club situated in Shropshire, has recently welcomed a consortium of 15 new investors from Los Angeles, led by American film producer Chris Ball. In an interview with BBC Radio Shropshire, Ball emphasized that the new ownership should not be compared to the big-spending Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, stating that they operate at “a different level”.
Ball highlighted the substantial financial backing that Wrexham has been receiving from their celebrity owners, noting that the comparison with Telford should stop there due to the vast difference in financial resources. He expressed his admiration for the commitment of Reynolds and McElhenney to Wrexham, acknowledging that they have made significant investments in the club, placing them at a different level altogether.
The new shareholders, who are all successful businessmen from Los Angeles with a passion for sports, have invested in Telford with a long-term vision for the club’s stability and success. Ball mentioned that most of the funds invested have gone directly into the club, rather than purchasing shares from existing shareholders, and stressed the importance of maintaining the financial health of the club for years to come. He also emphasized the intention of the consortium to provide assistance and contribute their business expertise to support the club’s long-term sustainability.
Ball, who has been following Telford since the 1960s, seized the opportunity to acquire a 21% shareholding in the club when the chance arose, as several shareholders generously returned some of their shares to the club. He spoke of introducing his fellow investors to Telford United and revealed that they have become avid fans of the club, even tuning in to match commentaries on BBC Radio Shropshire.
After attending Telford’s recent 3-2 home victory over Sudbury Town, which solidified the club’s position in the play-off places, Ball affirmed the consortium’s commitment to the club’s long-term stability and their desire to contribute to its success. He stressed that their goal is not solely about injecting large sums of money for a few years, but rather about ensuring the club’s longevity and maintaining a sustainable and healthy future.
The involvement of the new consortium of investors from Los Angeles has brought renewed optimism and support to AFC Telford United, with an emphasis on long-term stability and commitment to the club’s success. As the club continues to strive for success both on and off the pitch, the backing of the new shareholders is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Telford United.