REDDITCH United have a new owner and chairman following acquisition of the company’s shares by the club’s operations director David Faulkner.
The move brings an end to the long-running chairmanship of Chris Swan at the Southern Premier Central club and he believes he is handing owner the reins to a more than capable personality.
Swan said: “When my late wife Sallie and I bought the club, it was about to enter liquidation, but we could see the history, fantastic people and a tremendous opportunity.
“Since then more than a million pounds has been invested, creating the best stadium in our league with an amazing 3G facility.”
Swan points to the fact 900 youngsters train and compete at the Trico stadium each week, whilst the club also has 50 full-time students studying Level 2, 3 and HND courses.
The social and economic value of what goes on at the club runs into millions of pounds a year for the community and Swan added: “Sallie would have been exceptionally pleased with what everyone at the Trico Stadium has achieved.
“I’m delighted David will be taking control of ownership and into the next stage of important development. He has worked tirelessly at the club, understands how it ticks better than anyone I know and has the expertise to achieve success on the strong foundations that have been laid.”
New chairman Faulkner commented: “I’m extremely proud to be able to lead the club within the next chapter of its history. It’s clear to see we have a platform here to enable us to develop.
“The immediate aim is very simple – grow the club! We need more people to be associated as being members of a club that has more than 125 years of history.
“Whether as a fan, junior player, corporate partner or volunteer – we need to get more people wearing our badge and building the club’s profile within the community.
“I’m incredibly committed and passionate about what we can achieve at Redditch. I started coaching at the club in 2009 and have been associated with the club ever since.
“The last nine months managing the club full-time has enabled me to really understand how we operate and how this can be improved.
“We have the ability and platform to grow the club and develop it to its full potential. I am excited about what the future will bring for us.
“I would like to thank Chris for all the time and effort he put into the club. Looking around at the Trico Stadium now, it gives us a great opportunity to take the club to the next level.
“I am very keen to stress that this is not my club, this is the town’s club. Like any club, it is all about the people within it who matter.
“I can’t do anything on my own and I will be looking to get many more people involved to help guide the decisions that will define us. I’m already working on a wider ‘share ownership’ platform and would be very keen to speak to any investors who can help boost our ambitions.
“Please support our exciting future and get involved, as I am confident the club will thrive with all of our efforts.”
