Bath City FC board recommends sale to investors

Bath City FC could be sold to an investor group if a proposed sale goes ahead.

The club's board and supporters' society have both recommended the sale to a group led by Andrew Stalbow, co-founder and CEO of a mobile entertainment company. He would become the new chairman on completion.

"I'm not Ryan Reynolds money, nor is my investor group, but we've got people from all around the world backing us in almost every continent," Stalbow said.

He has raised £6m from about 50 investors to invest in the club, including a contribution from Curt Smith, who co-founded the band Tears for Fears.

Chair of Bath City FC David McDonagh said it was an "exciting moment" for the club.

"Many, many people have worked tirelessly over the years to keep this club viable," he said.

"This past season, with relegation, has shown just how hard that has become without outside investment, and we're lucky to have had a number of benefactors... without whom this club could not have survived."

The supporters' society chair, Ian McKay, said the new investors "understand what makes this club so special".

A shareholder vote will take place at Twerton Park on 13 August.

Stalbow said he had aspirations for the club in the long term to make the Football League.

It currently plays in the Southern League Premier Division South.

"It's actually the second biggest town or city in England that hasn't made it to the Football League yet," he said.

Stalbow added: "I obviously can't control what happens in 90 minutes on match day, but we want to give the players the best chance of success and ultimately over the next few years, build out the infrastructure at the club that makes the club football league ready."

"It's an amazing stadium full of heritage, but it needs a lot of investment," he said.

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