The Willows 96 Holdings take over Waterford FC
New Waterford FC owner, Jamie Pilley, Photo: Fleetwood Town.
The future of Waterford FC has been secured by the news that UK based company, The Willows 96 Holdings Limited has now purchased 100% of the shareholding in the club from current owner Andy Pilley, which will distance any speculation on the club’s future.
With owner Andy Pilley currently servicing a prison term in the UK, the club have confirmed that the FAI have cleared the takeover of the club with Pilley’s son Jamie now the owner of the club, which will operate under sole shareholder of The Willows 96 Holdings Limited.
Pilley will also be a club director alongside Steven Curwood, who were both named directors of the Blues when the club was purchased by Andy Pilley from Richard Forrest a number of years ago. The change comes after regulations were introduced this season in the League of Ireland.
The primary regulation meant that Waterford FC needed a change of ownership to operate in the league with the club confirming that Jamie Pilley has taken over at the helm following a lengthy process, which puts to bed any worries on the immediate future.
Commenting on the news, Jamie Pilley said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have completed the takeover of the Blues and in doing so able to protect the long-term future of the club.
“It’s been well documented that the club has faced uncertain times in the last 12 months with the situation surrounding my father, but my family and I remain fully committed to Waterford as a city and a football club.
“Since arriving at the club we’ve made incredible steps forward, on and off the pitch, and I intend to continue this under my ownership – this isn’t a short term commitment. I’d like to think my family’s actions have spoken much louder than our words in the progress we’ve made since arriving.
“I’m incredibly proud to be the owner of this club and would like to thank the FAI for their assistance during what has been a very difficult period for everyone involved.” Jamie went onto pay tribute to his father Andy for the “work he’s done at the club.” “I’d like to pay tribute to my father Andy for the work he’s done at the club, and I’m ready for the challenge of continuing the growth on and off the pitch going forward.
“Now the club’s future is secure, I’d like to call on everyone associated with the Club to fully get behind the Blues – we are on an exciting journey and want to ensure Waterford Football Club reinstates itself as one of the biggest clubs in Ireland.”
“Since taking over we’ve introduced a number of full-time roles at the club in the aim of professionalising every aspect of the Football Club. We’ve also given opportunities to Waterford people in key positions in our Senior Management Team – something I feel is hugely important. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and efforts so far.
“We now need the whole community to get behind the Blues, while I’m now the owner on paper, this club belongs to all the people in the city and county of Waterford. Let’s fill the RSC this Friday as we welcome Bohemians and celebrate the long-term future together!”
