Drogheda United Looks to the Future under New Ownership with Inspiration from Walsall.
In the world of football clubs, there is often a stark contrast between resources and ambition. All clubs share the dream of competing at the highest level and winning trophies, while for some, merely surviving is a significant achievement in itself.
This holds true for Drogheda United, which, for the past three seasons, has consistently punched above its weight in a semi-professional league, outperforming full-time teams like Sligo Rovers and Cork City in the Premier Division.
The year 2024 is set to mark the start of a new era for the club, as they stand on the brink of being taken over by Trivela Group, the American/Canadian owners of Walsall FC. The takeover is pending a member vote in less than a week. This acquisition follows a year of discussions and due diligence on both sides, culminating in a recent completed process.
Notably, the Trivela Group’s Managing Director, Benjamin Boycott, will assume the role of co-chairperson at Drogheda United, sharing the responsibility with Joanna Byrne. However, unlike their approach at the English club, they are bringing in an Executive Director, Wesley Hill, to oversee day-to-day operations. The level of Hill’s involvement is a point of particular interest, given his extensive experience in the startup sector, having previously worked at Nike.
Matt Jordan, a former Major Soccer League goalkeeper with over a decade of experience as a General Manager and Technical Director at Houston Dynamo and Montreal Impact, is also part of the team. Trivela has indicated that he will work to implement their technical processes within the club under the guidance of Manager Kevin Doherty, leaving questions about Doherty’s autonomy in making sporting decisions.
Doherty and his assistant, Daire Doyle, have earned the admiration of United supporters for maintaining the club’s Premier Division status over the last two seasons, despite facing personnel losses and predictions of struggle. Drogheda’s ability to challenge the league’s top teams, including victories against Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, and St Patrick’s Athletic away from home this season, underscores their potential with significant investment.
One term often used by Boycott when discussing Trivela’s venture into multi-club ownership is ‘synergy.’ The strategy involves player movement, shared commercial opportunities, and cost reduction through resource sharing across clubs. This strategy could potentially lead to Drogheda and Walsall being mentioned together for some time, at least until the owners add more clubs to their portfolio.
The purchase of Drogheda aims to help the club transition to a full-time, professional setup and facilitate a move to a new stadium. This prospect has generated excitement among Drogheda supporters, as they see it as the beginning of a more secure and sustainable era.
However, the reaction to the news among Walsall supporters has been mixed. The Poundland Bescot Stadium, with a capacity of 11,300, is one of the largest stadiums in England’s fourth tier, where Walsall has been competing since their League One stay ended in 2019.
Walsall and Drogheda United have not enjoyed league success since 2007, with Walsall competing in League Two and Drogheda’s only Premier Division success occurring in that year.
The early signs of Trivela’s ownership at Walsall have been positive, with improvements to facilities and a commitment to building a stronger team. The newly refurbished club shop, investments in the stadium, and plans for a modern supporters’ bar reflect the owners’ intention to enhance the matchday experience.
Walsall Supporters Trust chairman Trevor Reece notes that the owners have bought the freehold of the Bescot Stadium, relieving the club of annual rent payments. While Walsall fans desire to return to the third tier of English football, it’s clear that Trivela’s long-term strategy is focused on improving the club rather than quick profits.
In terms of on-field performance, Walsall has had its ups and downs, but the team is currently in the middle of League Two. The support for the owners remains largely unchanged, as they have invested in the squad, making it stronger.
The partnership between Walsall and Drogheda has been met with mixed reactions among Walsall supporters, with some hoping it won’t detract from the club’s focus. Others see it as an opportunity to develop young talent from the League of Ireland and potentially improve the academy.
As Drogheda’s resources grow, so does the anticipation for what the future holds. While there’s excitement in Ireland’s biggest town, the waiting game for both clubs begins as the new era takes shape.
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