Meet the stars of Boyzone, Westlife and others bringing new life to UK football clubs
By Football Correspondent, Jill Dando News
Famous faces from music and film are injecting fresh energy and investment into ambitious smaller football clubs across the UK.
These celebrity investors are using their passion for the sport and financial resources to transform modest teams into thriving professional outfits.
Leading the charge are Irish pop icons Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy of Boyzone, and Brian McFadden of Westlife fame.
The trio recently acquired Chorley FC, a sixth-tier club in Lancashire, with ambitious plans to attract new sponsorships and build the team into a full-time professional organization.
"We see so much potential in Chorley FC and are thrilled to be part of shaping its future success," said McFadden during an interview on Good Morning Britain.
‘With our backing and the local community's support, we're confident we can take this club to new heights."
The Irish singers are following in the footsteps of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who took the football world by storm when they purchased Wrexham AFC in 2021.
Their investment has already revitalized the historic Welsh club both on and off the pitch.
But Lynch, Duffy, and McFadden are not alone in their star-powered football ventures.
Pop star Olly Murs became involved with the Essex non-league side Coggeshall Town he loves before recently stepping down.
The X-factor star first got involved with the side in 2016 as a player, and became a director of the club.
A diverse array of celebrities, from Tom Brady and Stormzy to chef icon Delia Smith at Norwich and music legend Elton John, have all invested in sports teams, injecting their passion, profiles, and finances into clubs in need of revitalisation.
This influx of celebrity interest and capital promises could breathe new life into the lower ranks of UK football.
With their bold visions and committed fanbases, famous investors are poised to uplift modest clubs into professional outfits, inspiring and bringing together communities and inspiring the next generation of players and supporters.
