Farnborough ready for next step as National League South outfit explores ownership options

Farnborough CEO Rob Prince is open to fresh investment or a sale of his majority shareholding as the club looks to build on recent growth.

Boro have enjoyed a strong spell in the National League South since their promotion over three years ago, establishing themselves as a competitive and stable presence at Step 2.

In each of the following campaigns, the club have finished no lower than 12th and came close to the play-offs in the 2023-24 season.

This term, Farnborough sit 17th but with a healthy buffer to the relegation zone, and signs of momentum building – a 1-0 victory over Salisbury at the weekend securing their first back-to-back wins of the campaign.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Opportunities

Despite the club’s solid footing on and off the pitch, Prince believes the rapidly evolving landscape of the division means now is the right time to assess what comes next.

The club already welcomed minority investment in 2024, but he says the latest move is about positioning Farnborough for the next phase of its development.

Explaining his position, he said: “In the last few years we’ve established ourselves in the Enterprise National League South.

“It’s one of the most exciting and developing Leagues in the country. Huge growth is occurring, with half the League full-time and commercial activity increasing year-on-year.

“Our club has an incredible 7,000 capacity stadium with a new long-term lease with multiple development opportunities being discussed with the council including Padel Courts, residential property, EV charging, 3G and others ongoing which will benefit us, the council and the community alike.

“I brought in the Duncan Saunders consortium two years ago with great success and our playing side continues to thrive with our Academy, Women’s teams, multiple youth teams, Mini Kickers, Ladies Recreational Team, Futsal etc.

“Our commitment as a community asset with events such as fireworks, funfair, music concerts etc have placed Farnborough at the hub of the community with our brilliant volunteers and supporters.

“However I would not be doing justice to the club and community without fully exploring the opportunities for further investment or a majority sale.

“As such, I have instructed agencies to look for a buyer for my majority shareholding or suitable investment (my preferred option) to take the club to the next level, which I believe we are totally ready for.”

Grow

He added: “To be completely clear, the club is in an excellent financial position and have no concerns moving forward.

“However, the league continues to grow and I want to explore what is best for this fantastic club.

“It may take months or years and I may still be its custodian in many years to come as there is no urgency but as I’ve already expressed, I believe now is the time to be crystal clear on my position.”

The Yellows face a trip to Worthing this weekend, looking to make it three wins on the bounce and make steady progress up the table.

READ MORE: Alan Dowson makes triumphant return to Hampton & Richmond Borough