More stories

  • in

    Nineties pop superstars set to ‘take over struggling football club with ambitious plans to make it the next Wrexham’

    A GROUP of Nineties pop stars are reportedly set to take over a struggling football club and turn them into the “next Wrexham”.Boyzone members Keith Duffy, 49, Ronan Keating, 46, and Shane Lynch, 47, have allegedly signed a shock deal to buy a stake in Lancashire football club, Chorley FC.
    Brian McFadden has joined the Boyzone lads in a deal with Chorley FCCredit: Reuters
    Shane and Keith revealed that they have their sights set on the football clubCredit: PA
    The stars were all smiles as they posed for snaps with fans before the match kicked offCredit: PA
    The stars are said to be linking up with Westlife singer Brian McFadden who is also eyeing up the deal with the semi-professional club in a mega collaboration.
    The pop icons are allegedly preparing to make a similar deal to that made by Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds, who bought Wrexham FC in 2020, and rapper Stormzy, who became the owner of AFC Croyden last year.
    Reynolds and pal Rob McElhenney saw Wrexham FC break a 45-year trophy duck as well as achieving promotion for the first time in 15 years.
    Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy were spotted with McFadden at Chorley FC’s ground for the FA Trophy fifth-round tie against Solihull Moors on Saturday.
    Read More in Football
    Clad in Chorley shirts and clutching pints of beer, the pop star trio signed autographs.
    And they also grinned while posing for pictures with fans after talks of closing in on the deal to represent the club.
    Chorley FC currently compete in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
    Former Westlife singer McFadden told Chorley fans to dream of the Football League as he took his place in the Lancashire club’s small VIP stand
    Most read in Football
    It has not been confirmed what roles will be played by McFadden and Duffy – who started the Boyzlife duo together – along with Lynch and Boyzone lead singer Ronan Keating, who could not attend the match. 
    We’ve been dubbed the ‘New Wrexham’ – our small club has hit the big time and we are setting our sights on more
    In an interview before the game, Shane and Keith revealed that they have their sights set on the football club with the ambition to “build the community.”
    And McFadden suggested a deal is near, saying: “It’s pretty close.
    “I’ve just been talking about coming to the next home game with my family so you’ll probably see quite a lot of us. We’re in.”
    It was the Irish star’s first visit to Chorley, and he said: “Shane’s business partner bought the club seven months ago and asked Shane to get involved.
    “Shane’s not really a football man but he knew that me and Keith love football so he got us involved, and Ronan. We want to be part of something from the ground up.
    “You look at something like Chorley Football Club and you see this belongs to the town, it belongs to the people, it belongs to the community.”
    Comparisons have been made with Wrexham and the takeover by Deadpool star Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator McElhenney.
    The Hollywood actors have become big hits with English football fans since they bought Wrexham in November 2020.
    They have since led Wrexham to National League promotion and they are currently riding high in League Two following their return to the EFL.
    ‘NEXT WREXHAM’
    Comparing the Welsh club’s meteoric rise, McFadden told LancsLive: “What the boys have done at Wrexham is incredible but Wrexham’s the same.
    “All it needed was a bit of extra love and care to help them do what they’re doing.”
    The Irish star said that they hoped to do the same with Chorley and see them “playing in the professional leagues”.
    And he stressed that he really wanted supporters to achieve a “higher dream”.
    McFadden continued: “Wrexham’s always had a huge support, great stadium, great town.
    “We’re hoping we can do the same with Chorley. Look at this, this is non-league football and you’ve got a couple of thousand people out here having a great time, supporting the team. If we can help those supporters reach a higher dream and we can be a part of it, it’d be great.
    “We’d love to see Chorley playing in the professional leagues, obviously.
    “If we can get out of National North there’s National League and then in a few years, a bit of investment, bit of development, you never know.
    “Maybe they get out of National League and into League Two and see what happens from there.”
    ‘LOST FOR WORDS’
    Boyzone’s fans were baffled by the surprising move and were “lost for words”.
    Richard tweeted: “Really not sure what to make of the Chorley FC and Boyzone news today. However, what I know is that if it brings a positive spotlight to the non-league game then I’m all for it.”
    Dave wrote: “I’m lost for words.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Damon said: “I’m lost for words but no matter what, when the going gets tough all the father and son in the stands will get behind the lads.”
    Formed in 1993 by pop Svengali Louis Walsh, the band initially delayed getting back together, until rumours began to swirl that they were coming back for their 30th anniversary this year.
    Chorley FC are based in LancashireCredit: Getty
    But the club may soon be on the cusp of a historic takeoverCredit: Getty
    How did Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney transform Wrexham?The Hollywood actors have become big hits with English football fans since they bought Wrexham in November 2020.
    They have since led Wrexham to National League promotion and they are currently riding high in League Two following their return to the EFL.
    Reynolds and McElhenney have pumped plenty of money into the club, which was the subject of a hit Netflix series this year.
    Reynolds and McElhenney have pumped plenty of money into the club, which was the subject of a hit Netflix series last year.
    The new owners invested in community schemes and hired voluntary staff like Wrexham’s disability liaison officer.
    They stayed in the town and drank in The Turf pub over the road to get to know supporters and the wider community.
    One of the first ways they generated publicity was to promote the club’s shirt sponsor, Ifor Williams Trailers, with a video urging viewers to invest in a trailer for a loved one during Christmas – “especially if they own livestock”.
    The pair soon replaced trailers with TikTok as the club’s leading sponsor which brought a tenfold increase in revenue.
    Other major brands like Expedia came on board too as Reynolds and McElhenney cranked up the publicity, appearing to millions on The One Show in the UK and The Late Late Show in the US.
    They hired the former English Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey to help run the club.
    Coaxing top talent like Paul Mullin, the League Two player of the year, and Ollie Palmer, transformed fortunes on the pitch
    Plans are in place to renovate the stadium and increase its capacity to 16,000, making it fit to host regular international football again More

  • in

    Boyzone announce partnership with English football club as fans ‘check calendar to see if it’s April Fools’ Day’

    BAFFLED football fans had to check if it was April Fools’ Day after a non-league club revealed an incredible partnership with Boyzone.No Matter What supporters of Chorley FC had on their plans for today, celebrating news about the iconic Irish boy band was surely not on the list.
    Boyzone have formed a shock partnership with non-league Chorley FCCredit: Getty – Contributor
    We’re absolutely thrilled to share the truly exciting news that world renowned, Boyzone, will be in attendance for our game against @SolihullMoors this Saturday!This collaboration with Boyzone is part of ongoing discussions that could see them become the face of Chorley FC 👀— Chorley FC (@chorleyfc) February 7, 2024

    Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy are all set to be in attendance at the Lancashire club’s Victory Park stadium for Saturday’s FA Trophy clash on Saturday.
    Westlife’s Brian McFadden is also expected to be at the cup game.
    London-based entrepreneur Prince Yemoh and his Reset Events Ltd company took over Chorley last May and immediately stated his intention to create a “buzz” around the town.
    And the shock arrival of Boyzone to watch Andy Preece’s side in action will certainly do that – undoubtedly sparking a Better turnout than the 783 attendance that watched Chorley’s 3-2 win over Alfreton Town on January 30.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The BBC also report the music group are potentially considering investing into the National League North team and becoming shareholders – especially off the back of celebrity investment at Wrexham.
    The club Gave It All Away this morning with a bizarre press release.
    Chorley – who stunned Derby to reach the FA Cup fourth round in 2021 – said: “We have just confirmed that world-renowned, Boyzone, will be joining us for our upcoming home game against Solihull Moors in the Isuzu FA Trophy this weekend!
    “This collaboration with Boyzone is part of ongoing discussions that could potentially see them becoming the face of the football club.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “This is a game-changer that has the potential to bring our town into the limelight like never before, generating a buzz and publicity that will shine a bright light on Chorley and the local area.
    “We are bursting with excitement and gratitude for this incredible opportunity.
    Tesco shoppers gobsmacked as they spot huge pop star Ronan Keating pitching in to help staff out in the supermarket
    “Boyzone’s presence at the game will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere, filled with music, joy and a shared love for football and a close-knit, family community.”
    And fans on Twitter were simply lost for Words.
    One said: “If it was April 1st I would have said this was an April Fools’ joke. The statement is an incredible read.”
    Another wrote: “Checking the calendar to see if it’s April 1st. Not only bizarre but claiming excitement about someone coming to watch a football match.”
    A third added: “Great exposure for the club.”
    But a final user was jokingly disappointed and replied: “Thought it was a new striker incoming.”
    It is so far, So Good for Chorley this season.
    They currently sit sixth in the National League North, 20 points behind runaway leaders Tamworth but on course for a play-off place.
    But even When The Going Gets Tough, the loyal Magpies fans could be buoyed by new owners in the north-west if the Boyzone deal gets over the line.
    The pop stars came together under countryman Louis Walsh in 1993 and took the music scene by storm in the 1990s.
    Boyzone – who tragically lost singer Stephen Gately when he died in Mallorca in 2009 aged just 33 – have had six UK No1 singles and five albums that have topped the charts.
    They initially split up in 2000 before regrouping in 2007 for another stint, finishing with their Thank You & Goodnight studio album and arena tour in 2018.
    And after initially quashing suggestions of a 30th-anniversary reunion, it appears the band are getting back together.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    The Mirror report they will confirm their plans to perform a series of gigs at Chorley’s 975-seater home ground at Saturday’s clash against Solihull Moors.
    And it will surely be the hottest ticket in town with every Father And Son desperate to watch the Irishmen on stage.
    Boyzone are expected to announce a series of gigs at Victory ParkCredit: AFP
    Chorley stunned Derby to reach the FA Cup fourth round in 2021Credit: Reuters More