Gartside's ownership fears
10 Aug 2007 - 09:46:24
Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has voiced his concern at the growing number of overseas owners in the Premier League.
With Aston Villa and Manchester City having followed the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Portsmouth and West Ham United into foreign hands, Gartside is worried about the long-term effect on the game.
He told the Daily Mail: "The trouble is that the more foreign owners you get, the greater the danger of the balance of power changing.
"Football, as it has been regulated for years, could be in danger. If the foreign clubs gain a majority and decide to get together, they could start to dictate how the league is run.
"Here at Bolton we are still classed as a club that is owned by its roots, by people who still have a vested interest in making Bolton successful and not purely for financial gains.
"That's the way we'd like to stay but, in reality, it's a difficult balance to achieve.
"We are not blind to exploring investment in the club, but we are also mindful of the future ownership and ensuring it remains in the hands of people who are interested in the well-being of Bolton."
