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Rejuvinated
I hear all the rumblings from Old Trafford about the 'hostile takeover' of Englands beloved soccer team by an American entrepreneur. The backlash has been brewing for months, and finally came to fruition late last week, when Malcom Glazer acquired a 75% share of the team from Scottish investors. Having majority control all but guarantees that Glazer is now able to put his personal debt on the team's books, and he can even take the team private. On Thursday, thousands of Man U fans protested outside Old Trafford and burned an effigy of Glazer.
While fans lament the takeover, many, including myself, see this as a renaissance for the sporting industry in England, and a sign of many things to come. Hours after acquiring his 75 percent stake, the Las Vegas Sands Corp agreed to a partnership with Man U that would enable a new resort/casino to be built a mile from Old Trafford. Just imagine the FDI from a venture of that nature. Though he hasn't connected his name to this project, it is clear that Glazer's presence has already spawned renewed interest in funneling dollars into the English economy.
Frankly, I think English fans are ignorant, and not looking at the bigger picture. They have already decided that Glazer is a tyrant and nothing but a billionaire investor looking to make his next big move. If only they took the blinders off and started focusing more on the team's playing instead of Glazer's vision. Between cross-merchandising, a huge marketing blitz, and an image makeover, the team stands on the precipice of a revolution unprecedented in English sporting history.
Sure, Glazer is an American with dollars, and sure he made a killing when he bought, re-vamped, and sold the Tampa Bay Bucs ten years ago. Is it unlikely that he will do the same? Of course not. Like any sensible investor, he sees the value in valuation. Taking a declining franchise that has lost its luster in recent years and rebuilding the image is exactly what the team needs. Whats more, fans vehemently protested when Roman Abramovich (Russian oil tycoon) bought the Chelsea franchise, but are currently lauding his decisions while the team rises up the Champions League charts.
Glazer knows a good thing when he sees it. He is not about to tarnish or diminish the presence of the team's fans, because he understands that they are the backbone of his revenue model. Simply put, he will do everything in his power to keep them in Old Trafford, and playing at the highest level. However, he will not be afraid to adventure into uncharted territory. Whats more, he is not going to be the last American to step on British soil and rejuvinate a dying business.
Glazer needs Manchester United as much as the team needs him. They are a match made in heaven. Problem is, neither side can see it today. My belief: all they need is one year together.
Rejuvinated
I hear all the rumblings from Old Trafford about the 'hostile takeover' of Englands beloved soccer team by an American entrepreneur. The backlash has been brewing for months, and finally came to fruition late last week, when Malcom Glazer acquired a 75% share of the team from Scottish investors. Having majority control all but guarantees that Glazer is now able to put his personal debt on the team's books, and he can even take the team private. On Thursday, thousands of Man U fans protested outside Old Trafford and burned an effigy of Glazer.
While fans lament the takeover, many, including myself, see this as a renaissance for the sporting industry in England, and a sign of many things to come. Hours after acquiring his 75 percent stake, the Las Vegas Sands Corp agreed to a partnership with Man U that would enable a new resort/casino to be built a mile from Old Trafford. Just imagine the FDI from a venture of that nature. Though he hasn't connected his name to this project, it is clear that Glazer's presence has already spawned renewed interest in funneling dollars into the English economy.
Frankly, I think English fans are ignorant, and not looking at the bigger picture. They have already decided that Glazer is a tyrant and nothing but a billionaire investor looking to make his next big move. If only they took the blinders off and started focusing more on the team's playing instead of Glazer's vision. Between cross-merchandising, a huge marketing blitz, and an image makeover, the team stands on the precipice of a revolution unprecedented in English sporting history.
Sure, Glazer is an American with dollars, and sure he made a killing when he bought, re-vamped, and sold the Tampa Bay Bucs ten years ago. Is it unlikely that he will do the same? Of course not. Like any sensible investor, he sees the value in valuation. Taking a declining franchise that has lost its luster in recent years and rebuilding the image is exactly what the team needs. Whats more, fans vehemently protested when Roman Abramovich (Russian oil tycoon) bought the Chelsea franchise, but are currently lauding his decisions while the team rises up the Champions League charts.
Glazer knows a good thing when he sees it. He is not about to tarnish or diminish the presence of the team's fans, because he understands that they are the backbone of his revenue model. Simply put, he will do everything in his power to keep them in Old Trafford, and playing at the highest level. However, he will not be afraid to adventure into uncharted territory. Whats more, he is not going to be the last American to step on British soil and rejuvinate a dying business.
Glazer needs Manchester United as much as the team needs him. They are a match made in heaven. Problem is, neither side can see it today. My belief: all they need is one year together.
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