£6m investment could signal ambitious new era for Bath City FC
Bath City FC could be set for a major new chapter, with a prospective ownership group outlining ambitious plans for the club backed by around £6 million of investment.
The investor group, led by entrepreneur Andrew Stalbow, has reached an agreement in principle to take over the club, with both the Bath City FC Board and Bath City Supporters’ Society Committee unanimously recommending the proposal to shareholders.
If approved, around £6 million raised from approximately 50 investors would be invested into the Twerton-based club.
The plans extend well beyond performances on the pitch. The prospective owners want to build infrastructure capable of supporting Football League football, invest in Bath City’s women’s teams, improve Twerton Park and strengthen the club’s relationship with supporters and the wider community.
Stalbow, who would become the club’s full-time Chair, has also spoken about keeping costs for supporters low and making Twerton Park a community hub, while longer-term ambitions include a modernised stadium and a dedicated training facility.
The group has set its sights on building both the men’s and women’s teams over the coming years, with reaching the Football League among its ambitions for the men’s side.
Among the investors is Bath-born Curt Smith, co-founder of Tears for Fears and a lifelong football fan, who would become an ambassador for the club.
The proposed investment comes at an important point in Bath City’s history. The Romans are playing in the Southern League Premier South this season following relegation, with Scott Bartlett now in charge of the first team.
Bath City has been community-owned since supporters came together to safeguard the club’s future almost a decade ago, making the proposed change of ownership particularly significant.
Shareholders are being given the opportunity to hear directly from Stalbow and members of the investor group at a meeting at Twerton Park on Thursday 13 August before casting their votes.
The proposed takeover remains subject to shareholder approval and any necessary regulatory consents.
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