AFC Telford poised to get cash boost
AFC Telford have secured new investment as major changes were made at the National North club.
Chairman Ian Dosser stepped down after 13 years at the New Bucks Head. Board member Andy Pryce has taken on the role in an interim basis.
Boss Rob Smith and his assistant Larry Chambers were sacked, with former Molineux first-team coach Rob Edwards appointed the new manager just hours later.
While news of the cash boost has not yet been confirmed, it’s understood Wolves will slightly increase their investment to improve the pitch and changing rooms.
Whether there are other investors is not yet known.
The clubs already have strong links with Wolves Under-23 games played at the New Bucks Head and several Molineux youngsters loaned to Telford over the last few seasons.
“I can’t comment on where the money is coming from at the minute,” said Pryce. “We have secured some investment which doesn’t change the ownership model of the club.
“There will be no shares purchased for this investment, shares are still available to buy. It is purely investment into the club’s structure on and off the field.
“Hopefully it will improve the players, training facilities, sports science and nutrition.
“This investment gives us links to better commercial and community avenues, so it’s not just a management change. It’s a different way we can run the club on a sustainable footing for the coming years.
“The process started seven days ago and it’s escalated from there. The board and myself agreed it was the right time to move in a different direction and have a different approach.
“We have tried different avenues to raise capital, but this potentially should make the club financially stable for many years to come.
“Ian felt it was the right time to move on. He’s had 13 years here and the work that he’s done has been unbelievable – the effort and time he’s put in for nothing, all for the love of Telford United.
“When he decided to stand down I did try to persuade him not to, but his mind was made up and I respected his decision.”
Last season the club’s financial problems led to a change of the ownership model from a supporter-run club to allow investors to come in.
But a new shares issue failed to have the success that was hoped for.
