ENTREPRENEUR Simon Lancaster has moved closer to his takeover of Worcester City as majority shareholder less than three weeks after board chiefs revealed fears the 120-year-old club could fold.
The Worcester-born founder of SJL Insurance Services and committed fund-raiser through the SJL Foundation was given the green light with 98.8 per cent of the club’s Supporters Trust voting in favour of the plans.
He will now – subject to the signing of legal agreements – become the majority shareholder of Worcester City Football Club.
Ambitious plans for ‘significant investment’ into the club and its future was revealed earlier this month and includes continued involvement from, and partnership with, the Supporters Trust.
Speaking after the result, Mr Lancaster paid tribute to all the members of the Supporters Trust for their continued work for the club and their trust.
“I’d also like to thank the board of the Supporters Trust for their co-operation in putting this comprehensive proposal together over the last few months, particularly the chairman Rob Crean,” he said.
“I am confident it offers an exciting new future alongside many protections to safeguard the future of the club, which will be overseen by the Trust.
“But this is not the end, this is just the beginning! We can’t put our feet up, pat ourselves on the back and say job done.
“We’re at rock bottom and we have a mountain to climb to get to where we need to be, but let’s climb it together as one club, and let’s enjoy the climb.’’
“The board are confident this is just the start of a bright future for the football club as we look to push forward both on and off the field,” he added.
Picture by Rob Bazley
The ambitious plans were given an immediate vote of confidence with the news long-term sponsor M Pinches and Sons had renewed their backing of the Blue and Whites with a record-breaking 166 per cent increase in funding.
Commenting on the sponsorship Martin Pinches said: “Coming alongside Simon’s investment, we hope our sponsorship is the catalyst for more local businesses to support his exciting vision for the future of the football club that we all love.”
A club spokesperson said: “The board and everyone connected with the football club are extremely thankful for this generous support.
“M Pinches and Sons have supported us for more than 20 years and through some tough times.
“We are all confident that their support now will be through more successful times on and off the pitch.”
