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07
Sept
Intense speculation around Harrogate Town FC as Simon Weaver sets up new company
Simon Weaver, the manager of Harrogate Town FC, has set up a new company, leading to speculation of a change of ownership at the club.
Mr Weaver who is the son of the current owner, Irving Weaver, has established new company, FC Company Holdings Ltd.
He is listed as a director along with Jonathan Blezard. Mr Blezard, the majority shareholder, is a founder of sports betting organisation Angstrom Sports. He has worked for Ernst & Young in corporate restructuring and was once a professional poker player according to his Linkedin profile.
The online fan speculation that Simon Weaver may now be the club's owner as well as its manager follows a turbulent year for Town - both on and off the pitch.
The club's plans for a £2.75m new training facility were shelved in May just as Town were relegated from the English Footland League having suffered a sustained run of poor results on the pitch.
Harrogate Town AFC Limited, remains listed at Companies House, with Irving Weaver, Simon's father, as a director who owns 96% of the shares. Mr Weaver, who bought the club in 2011, has bankrolled it to keep it running, with the club owing him millions of pounds.
In February this year Irving Weaver said he was seeking new investors to secure the clubs future:
It would be foolish to make promises other than to say with sincerity that everyone here is determined to ensure our survival. It has taken a lot of people, united in support, to achieve what we have done with many challenges along the way.
We need your support more than ever before so please, let’s stay united get behind the team and continue to do our town proud.
What does the creation of the new company mean then in relation to the future of the club and is Mr Blezard the new investor Irving Weaver has been seeking?
Online, fans are speculating about a takeover and a change of leadership at the club.
The Stray Ferret contacted the club to seek answers but was sent this brief statement:
The club has no comment to add regarding this speculation.
Any future news will be communicated through the club's channels.
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