Northampton Town has announced that former Brazil and AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has joined the club's board following the completion of a takeover by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC). SAC has acquired a 70% shareholding in Northampton Town Ventures Limited, the company that owns the majority of shares in the League Two club. Existing owners David Bower, Nigel Le Quesne, and Kelvin Thomas will retain a combined 30% stake in the club.
The takeover, which was approved by the Independent Football Regulator and the English Football League earlier this month, leaves Northampton Town debt-free. The club reported a pre-tax loss of just under £3 million in April. Pato, 37, is one of SAC's investors and will now serve as a director on the Northampton board. He is best known for his five-and-a-half-year spell with AC Milan, where he scored 63 goals in 150 appearances and won the Serie A title in the 2010-11 season.
Pato retired from professional football last year and has now taken on a new role with Northampton Town. SAC investors, including Pato, attended Northampton's 1-0 League Two victory over Newport County on 5 September. The takeover also brings changes to the club's leadership, with Kelvin Thomas stepping down as chairman but remaining a shareholder and director.
SAC's Joao Xavier and Tim Chamberlain will become co-chairmen of Northampton Town, while chief executive James Whiting and supporters' representative Tom Cliffe will remain on the board. Jim Rosenthal and Mike Wailing will leave their board positions and become associate directors. The new owners have stated that they have "ambitious plans" for Northampton Town.
However, Xavier and Chamberlain have also stressed that these plans will be matched with sustainability and an understanding of the club's role in the local community. They have pledged to work with supporters, staff, partners, the Community Trust, and other local stakeholders as they seek to develop the club on and off the pitch.
Northampton Town were relegated to League Two last season after finishing bottom of League One. The club has since appointed Chris Hogg as manager and brought in 13 players during the summer transfer window, including striker Matty Warhurst from Manchester City. The club is looking to improve its performance in the upcoming season.
The takeover and Pato's appointment to the board have generated significant interest among fans and stakeholders. The new ownership structure and leadership team will be tasked with restoring the club to its former glory and making it a competitive force in English football once again.
Key points
- Alexandre Pato has joined the Northampton Town board following the club's takeover by Sports Alpha Capital.
- The takeover leaves Northampton Town debt-free after a pre-tax loss of just under £3 million in April.
- Kelvin Thomas is stepping down as chairman but will remain a shareholder and director.
