The board of directors of Weymouth Football Club are delighted to announce a substantial investment of funds by director Martyn Harrison that will secure the future of the club.
Martyn HarrisonMr Harrison, who joined the board earlier this year and is the owner of the Riviera, Prince Regent and Russell Hotels in Weymouth, has taken a controlling interest in the club by becoming the majority shareholder and will also assume the position of Chief Executive Officer. His main area of expertise and control will be in overseeing the financial management of the club.
He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to become more involved with the club. In my short time on the board so far, I have been impressed with the way the club is moving, on and off the field, and wanted to do what I could to further the club’s ambitions.
“The town has been good to me and now I have a chance to do something good for both the town and the football club, which is such a central part of its life. I share the chairman and manager’s vision and we are now in a position to continue the long-term goals.”
“I have every faith in Ian Ridley and Steve Claridge’s abilities and am in total support of the existing structure at the club. I am delighted that Ian has agreed to continue as chairman and Steve will of course be remaining as player-manager. I hope that I have given them the resources to concentrate on furthering the aims and ambitions of the club.
“I would like to pay tribute to the previous regime at the club, notably the Park Engineering pair of Dave Higson and Mick Archer, who worked so hard to keep the club going, and to the current board who have taken it on a step. Now I will be working with the current directors to make sure that we keep the momentum going.”
Harrison is a Londoner by birth and has been a Queen’s Park Rangers supporter for many years. But since first coming to Weymouth five years ago, he admits to having “fallen in love” with the town.
Said Terras chairman, Ian Ridley: “This is fantastic news, a magnificent move by Martyn, and a historic day for Weymouth Football Club.
“In his short time on the board, Martyn has made an immediate impact with his business acumen. Now he has provided the resources to develop the club even further, as well as bringing his personal qualities to the running of the club. Everyone – staff, players and fans – owes him a huge debt of gratitude.
“Last season proved what we could do. With Martyn’s input, we hope to be able to kick on that bit more. Once, Weymouth FC was about surviving. Martyn Harrison has enabled us to think about prospering.”
