Burnley owner Alan Pace had to convince his ‘closest collaborators’ into taking on the ‘multi-million-dollar gamble’ of buying Espanyol.
That’s according to COPE, who cover the Burnley owner today after his purchase was completed last week. The American has bought the Catalan side through his company Venture Sports Limited, who also own Burnley.
He announced his plans for the club at a press conference this week, insisting that they and Burnley will remain separate entities now and in future.
His arrival has been warmly welcomed but appears he needed to convince his collaborators to buy Espanyol in the first place. COPE report Pace talked VSL into what was seen as a ‘multi-million-dollar gamble’ by everyone else.
The Burnley owner will now take on the role as president. He’ll be tasked with managing Espanyol as well as travelling to Burnley and the USA. It’s said he lives a ‘fast-paced life’ and they’re only adding to that.
One bone of contention is that Mao Ye will remain as CEO. That’s to help with a “smooth transition” that Pace and his team want. “They’re here to manage, not to spend for the sake of spending,” they say from within the club.
It’s seen as a benefit that ‘they haven’t found a bankrupt club, a socially dead club, or a club in the Second Division.’ In other words, there’s plenty of positives for the Burnley owner to sell.
The belief is that Pace has made a positive start, particularly with his comments this week. He’s on a good roll after convincing his collaborators into the move in the first place.
