Tom Brady supports Birmingham City in first game since becoming minority owner
NFL icon Tom Brady took to social media show his support for Birmingham City after becoming a minority owner of the Championship club. Brady announced his partnership with the Blues on his 46th birthday on the eve of the 2023-24 Championship season.
Brady, who retired from the NFL after a 23-year career back in February, announced he had ‘entered into a partnership’ with Birmingham City’s new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC. The seven-time Super Bowl champion was confirmed as the chairman of a new advisory board at St Andrew’s.
The club revealed Brady would also work closely with the board and management team on global marketing efforts as well as the identification of new commercial partnership opportunities. He is also expected to have a hand in nutrition given his famed approach to the NFL.
During the Blues’ first game of the league season on Saturday, Ivorian forward Siriki Dembele opened the scoring just before half time to give Birmingham City the lead against Swansea City. Brady immediately reacted, tweeting: “Way to finish!!! @Sdembele_7 @BCFC”
It represents another sports team for Brady to follow as he gets to grips with retirement. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has already invested in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Brady is a renowned winner following his unprecedented success in the NFL, and Birmingham fans will hope he can bring his winning formula to the Midlands club. Upon the announcement of his investment, the ex quarterback told Birmingham City’s website said: “Birmingham is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me.
“BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our second-city club second to none. I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”
Knighthead Capital completed its takeover on July 13 and has since appointed Garry Cook as CEO and Hope Powell as women’s technical director. The addition of Brady represents a coup for the club, with Knighthead co-founder Tom Wagner saying: “Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class.
“Tom is both investing [as well as] committing his time and extensive expertise. As chair of the advisory board Tom will have a direct impact on the club. The men’s, women’s, and academy teams are going to benefit from [his] knowledge.
Don’t miss…
Wrexham fans want Hugh Jackman ‘thrown out’ as EFL return ends in disaster[LATEST]
UK government fire strong financial threat to Premier League and EFL[LATEST]
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami move is paying for itself after huge investment[LATEST]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
“The goal that Tom has committed to is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football.”
Brady follows the recent trend of American sports stars and celebrities making minority investments in English soccer clubs. Following the success of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham AFC, a number of people have followed suit.
Former NFL defensive end – and three-time Defensive Player of the Year – JJ Watt became a shareholder at Burnley in May, while golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have teamed up with NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook to become minority stakeholders in Leeds United.
Source: Read Full Article