Bath City Football Club has a new co-owner in legendary 1980s pop-rock singer Curt Smith, best known as the frontman of Tears for Fears. The former Bath-born musician has joined an investor consortium that has completed a multi-million-pound takeover, signalling a fresh era for the club.
The announcement came on Thursday, 10 September, concluding a year-long process facilitated by the club’s advisers, Carteret. The newly formed Bath City Holding Company has raised over £6 million in seed funding, aimed at advancing both the men’s and women’s teams up the football pyramid, developing Football League-standard facilities, and strengthening community and supporter engagement.
On social media, Curt Smith, who is also an ambassador for the club, shared a photo of Cannon Clarke Stadium with the playful caption “And in other news…” hinting at his involvement.
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Andrew Stalbow, the club’s new executive chair, commented: “I’m thrilled that we have finalised the deal after 15 months of work. I want to sincerely thank the shareholders, fans, the board, supporter groups, and volunteers for their invaluable support. The commitment from our investor group is immense, and together we will build a strong partnership encompassing supporters, the city, the community in Twerton, players, coaching staff, operational teams, and investors. This is a unique opportunity to unlock Bath City’s potential and transform the club. Our work starts today.”
This weekend, prospective investors from around the world will attend the home match against Chippenham Town at Cannon Clarke Stadium on Saturday, 12 September, highlighting the club’s ambition and growing profile.
James Powell, CEO of Carteret, said: “Andrew has brought together an outstanding group of investors united behind an ambitious vision for Bath City. The scale of investment at this level of English football is remarkable, and we are proud to have facilitated a deal that could prove transformational for the club.”
Curt Smith co-founded Tears for Fears with Roland Orzabal in 1981 in their hometown of Bath. The band quickly rose to fame with hits like “Mad World,” which went gold in 1982 and later gained renewed popularity through its inclusion in the film Donnie Darko. Other iconic tracks include the 1984 anthem “Shout” and 1985’s “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” a song reflecting on themes of power and greed that has become synonymous with the 1980s and featured extensively in popular media.
Bath City Football Club, established in 1889, currently competes in the Southern Premier Division South following relegation from the National League South last season. Their next fixture against Chippenham Town will take place at their home ground, Cannon Clarke Stadium, this Saturday.