October 1: Former Brazil international Alexandre Pato heads a consortium that has bought a 70% stake in English League Two side Northampton Town.
Sports Alpha Capital completed the buyout of Northampton Town Ventures Limited, the club confirmed on Wednesday, with the former AC Milan, Villarreal and Sao Paolo striker joining the board.
The consortium comes into the club at potentially their lowest point – Northampton finished last season in League One and suffered relegation. Seven games in League Two are 22nd with one win.
The good news is the balance sheet. The club arrives debt free, and the new owners made it an idea.
“We are delighted to have completed our investment in Northampton Town Football Club and are extremely proud to become custodians of a club with such a rich history, a passionate supporter base and an important place within its community,” said co-chairmen Joao Xavier and Tim Chamberlain, founding partners of the group.
“We recognize the strong position they are putting the club in. Northampton Town is debt-free, has a strong relationship with its supporters and the community and already has strong foundations. Our responsibility is to protect those foundations while bringing the investment, experience and ambition needed to build on them.
“We have ambitious plans for Northampton Town, but ambition must go hand in hand with sustainability and an understanding of what the club means to the people of Northampton and Northamptonshire.”
Northampton was not his first choice. In February, the group attempted to buy Colchester United, also in League Two, before Colchester decided not to go ahead.
Pato won 27 caps and scored 10 for Brazil, with spells in Europe and South America at club level. Made two Premier League appearances on loan to Chelsea in 2016.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at nick.webster@insideworldfootball.com