Bath City Football Club is on the verge of a new chapter after supporters overwhelmingly voted to transfer their majority stake to a new consortium led by tech entrepreneur Andrew Stalbow.
In a historic ballot, more than 96 per cent of members of the Bath City Supporters’ Society endorsed the handover of their 50%+ shareholding to the newly formed Bath City Holding Company. This significant decision represents the first major step towards ending the club’s decade-long period of fan ownership at Twerton Park.
The strong mandate follows a series of detailed scrutiny sessions, including a well-attended town hall meeting where supporters questioned Stalbow alongside prospective board members Richard Rivlin, Ivan Hindshaw, and Curt Smith, co-founder of the pop group Tears for Fears. During these sessions, fans were presented with a plan aimed at injecting new investment to help revitalise the Romans.
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Renowned film director and long-time club supporter Ken Loach expressed his feelings: “Like others, I still believe in Community Ownership and I’m sad to see its loss, but it is clear that we do not have the resources to sustain the club or match its ambition. Andrew’s enthusiasm and commitment to the club and Twerton Park are inspirational, and I’m sure others will join me in voting for this change.”
Ian McKay, Chairman of the Bath City Supporters Society, commented: “This was a strong endorsement from the Supporters Society members for the deal. Having heard from Andrew personally, and with the Community Share and a seat on the Board, our members feel assured that the club will be in safe hands. These people value the supporters’ role and are determined to support our community. We hope individual shareholders recognise this and accept the deal so the club can enter a new era.”
Club Chair David McDonagh added: “The supporters have clearly shown their backing for this proposed deal. Now, it is vital that individual shareholders, regardless of the size of their holding, accept the offer and return their forms before the deadline. They can do so confidently, knowing it reflects the wishes of the Board, the Supporters Society, the Supporters Club, and the fans.”
To complete the investment, acceptance from 90 per cent of the club’s total shareholding is required. At present, over 80 per cent have confirmed their support.
Andrew Stalbow expressed his gratitude on the ballot result: “We are humbled by the overwhelming vote of confidence from the Supporters Society and Supporters Club, who represent the true heart of the club. Knowing that Ken Loach, a significant figure in shaping the club’s community values, has urged members to back the offer means a great deal to me. We hope individual shareholders will follow suit and accept our proposal. We are committed to working hard to unlock the club’s potential and deliver positive results for this fantastic community.”