THE CEO of a Midlands-based National League football club has taken over Gibraltar’s bottom-placed side in a surprise move.
Mark Palmer, from Solihull Moors, said it was “a proud moment” for the new owner and chairman of Lions Gibraltar FC.
“I am revered as the new owner and president of this wonderful football club,” Palmer said in a club statement.
“We’re going to take the club into the next phase of its history and an exciting journey. “
Lions FC said that Palmer has ‘extensive knowledge and experience in the game and has previous club ownership in the English Football League’.
He is CEO and board member of Solihull Moors FC which is located in south-east Birmingham.
Solihull Moors chairman and majority owner Darryl Eales and British Supreme Court Associate Justice James Pickering will also join the Lions club’s board of directors.
The historic Gibraltar club’s recent poor form has seen them fall to the bottom of the Rock’s 11-club football league.
They are still looking for their first win of the season, with only two draws in thirteen games.
Palmer thanked Alex Grech, Kadrian Bugeja and Daniel Buhagiar for “their painting and maintenance of the club” over the past few years.
The trio will continue to be part of the club’s progression going forward, the Lions confirmed.
With the rewards on offer to clubs that qualify for European competitions, the acquisition could see more English players compete in local competitions.
Gibraltar’s football league has been mainly dominated by Lincoln Red Imps FC, the Rock’s most famous club.
They are well-known for their 1-0 home win over Glasgow Celtic FC in 2016 and reaching the Uefa Conference League group stage in 2021.
St Joseph’s FC recently led the Imps three times at the top of the Gibraltar table.
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