TORQUAY UNITED'S new owner says his aim is to bring “high level football entertainment” to the Gulls after the takeover of the club was officially completed.
Riviera Stadium Ltd, a subsidiary of Gaming International Ltd, has purchased a “controlling interest” in the National League outfit.
Swindon-based Gaming International, whose original bid to buy the club in the summer fell through after being unable to agree on a deal for the freehold to Plainmoor stadium, resurrected their interest and the takeover is now subject to National League ratification.
Cash-strapped Torquay have been struggling financially since lottery winning owner Thea Bristow decided to sell up in the summer of 2015.
A David Phillips-led consortium took charge and they have finally found a new owner in Gaming International, who run greyhound racing tracks in England and Japan through its subsidiary, Stadia UK, who they believe can take the club forward.
In a message to supporters, chairman and chief executive of Gaming International, Clarke Osborne, said: “I am pleased that we have completed the purchase of this proud and well supported club with such a long history.
“There has been much speculation over our intentions for the club and much comment on the conduct of the directors and I would like to take this opportunity of assuring everyone connected with and supporting the club that we will try our best to secure the club's long term future and bring success on the pitch and commercially.
“I want also to say that supporters owe a vote of thanks to the directors and Thea Bristow for their huge investment of time and money to keep the club alive.
“Our initial work is to ensure that the club is stable whilst compiling a five-year plan to secure the club's future and bring high level football entertainment to Torbay.
“I hope that everyone will be involved in this, including supporters, sports and local football organisations, the local authority and the community at large.
“Despite rumour and accusation to the contrary, we seek to build organisations and teams. We don't profess to have a panacea for developing a football club or managing a successful football team, but we do know how to build strong management and how to develop and promote leisure facilities.”
