It’s a game changer in Irish League football — an investment totalling £2.5m in Crusaders, backed by Liverpool legend Ian Rush, aimed at making the north Belfast club a more formidable and financially secure force.
lub members were given an insight into the “significant investment proposal” at Seaview last night and they left the EGM feeling the numbers do add up.
Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer Rush is backing the mega-money proposal as a stakeholder in Irama Sport, owned by English born wealthy businessman Perry Chopra, who has a background in property, hotels, catering and hospitality.
Members voted 132 to 2 in favour of reconvening in two weeks to rubberstamp the proposal in a formal vote.
It will see the Crues move from a fan-owned club to a shareholder model.
The new investors would hold 70 percent of the shares of the club and inject £1.75m into the business with Crusaders adding in £750,000, bringing the total investment to £2.5m.
Wales legend Rush, who netted an incredible 346 goals in 660 appearances for Liverpool, was at Seaview recently to see how the fresh investment can make a difference. The 60-year-old won five titles and three FA Cups with the Merseyside giants and now he wants the Shore Road side to have a little taste of the big time.
The Welshman has an interest in grassroots grounds, more foreign young talent, on-site accommodation, hosting international tournaments and European games at Seaview.
A growing sports network associated with Ian Rush Academies based in England and France has identified Crusaders as a club that can produce results on and off the pitch.
With Larne and Glentoran embracing wealthy owners in Kenny Bruce and Ali Pour, combined with Linfield’s considerable resources, the Crues feel this is an opportunity to dramatically strengthen their hand.
The deal would see the Shore Road side move to a fully professional set-up, hasten ground redevelopment, generate new income streams and attract more young players to Belfast.
Club shareholders would include members, bond holders, affiliated supporters’ clubs and volunteers.
Crusaders say: “What is proposed is a balanced investment, focused on the further professionalisation of the senior teams, developing modern sports science pillars, developing further the youth apprenticeship scheme whilst maintaining and enhancing a wide range of Sport4Social-Change programmes.”
It’s hoped that the club can attract improved sponsorship and commercial deals, host more significant corporate events and press forward with plans to modernise Seaview.
There will be a new entrance feature on the Shore Road with a new South Stand boasting sports facilities, education space and rental units, along with a museum and duplex accommodation.
Another interesting aspect of the club’s ambitious plans is a cinder pitch at Loughside Playing Fields with an indoor soccer dome, funded with the help of grant aid.
The club added that it is committed to not wasting money on over-priced players and it will seek to develop better income streams, particularly non-football related.
Stadium naming rights could be explored, while Seaview can continue to host non-football events. Rush’s agent contacts across the world also raises the prospect of talented young internationals moving to further their careers in Belfast.
Crusaders will remain focused on youth development and the club will be fully committed to a professional set-up.
There will be an immediate review of football matters including scouting, recruitment, data analysis and strength and conditioning.
An elite academy would be linked to the Ian Rush Foundation and have a broad partnership with Ulster University.
A variety of different leisure and educational programmes will proceed in partnership with the Irish Football Association, Belfast Met and Ulster University.
The club’s six-strong Executive Board would consist of four investors and two from Crusaders.
A 12-strong non-executive council would be elected by Crusaders shareholders, with a professional game support group to be established.
Mark Langhammer, vice-chairman of Crusaders, said: “Moving from ‘fan-owned’ to shareholder governance is a big change for our members and there is no little emotion involved in the decision.
“However, I don’t believe it will change our mission.
“The educational provision within the football apprenticeship will be a platform for attracting local and international student players.
“Our model will stay local at its core, but look internationally, too.
“The wide range of social programmes run through our ‘Crusaders in the Community’ arm will continue and grow.
“Our investors will not only help with income streams, they are committed and focused on reinvesting in the grassroots of the game.”
Tommy Whiteside, club treasurer, added: “The finance on offer will not be for first-team development only.
“It will be a balanced investment in the senior teams, sports science, youth development and facilities.
“Our investors will contribute significantly to help us develop new facilities and new income streams — football and non-football related — which will grow the club in the medium to long-term.
“We believe we have an investor who will be a partner for the long-term, committed to travelling on a journey with us.
“Together, we can improve our business and commit to investing in the grassroots of the game.”
Crusaders chiefs clearly believe this is an investment opportunity worth grasping.
Supporters who crave success and stability are willing to give it their blessing.
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