Stalbow seals a deal for Romans invasion

By Jon Couch

TAKEOVER: Andrew Stalbow

A consortium led by mobile gaming entrepreneur Andrew Stalbow has completed a takeover of Bath City in a £6m deal.

Stalbow, who helped create the Best Fiends and Angry Birds games franchises, heads an international group of around 50 investors which includes musician Curt Smith, of popular 80s band Tears For Fears.

The group, whose bid was approval by the board last month, have hatched an ambitious plan to take the Romans from the Southern League Premier South into the EFL for the first time in their history.

“Our role is to unlock Bath City’s potential and transform the club. Our work starts today,” Stalbow said.

“The partnership that we will build between the supporters, the city, the community in Twerton, the players, the coaching staff, the operating team and the investors will set us apart. This is a unique opportunity.”

Addressing the club as a whole, he added: “This deal happened because of the incredible backing we’ve received from the fans, the shareholders, the Supporters Society, the Supporters Club and the board. We hugely appreciate you putting your faith in us. We will strive to be the custodians you believe we can be.”

Stalbow’s group hopes to bring the club’s Twerton Park home and training facilities up to EFL standard, while supporting both the men’s and women’s teams to climb the pyramid. He also hopes to improve the infrastructure of the club and connection with the fans and community.

Outgoing Bath chair David McDonagh, said: “Many people have worked diligently behind the scenes to make sure that this deal is right to take our club forward.

“We know how excited our supporters are and that they share our belief in Andrew and his team.”