Ryan Bertrand's New Role at AFC Wimbledon
Ryan Bertrand's loan spells at Norwich City proved an important staging post in his playing career, and now the former England international is looking to make his mark in the boardroom at AFC Wimbledon.
Bertrand is leading the group alongside British technology expert Omar Mir, who is solely funding the proposed minority share purchase through investment vehicle Sloane Street Capital (SSC).
Major Investment Plans for AFC Wimbledon
The plans were presented to Dons Trust members on Wednesday night and would see SSC invest £16 million up front for a 34% minority stake in AFCW PLC, the company that runs the club.
The remaining £71 million would be invested across the following five seasons, taking the total commitment to £87 million.
Under the proposals, SSC would oversee football operations, with Bertrand as senior football adviser, but would operate within budgets and processes agreed by the AFCW PLC board.
The Dons Trust would retain its 50.01% controlling share of the voting rights, preserving the fan-owned model at the heart of AFC Wimbledon.
Bertrand's Journey and Vision for the Club
It would mark the step in a new career for the two-time City loanee, who won both the Champions League and Europa League during a career spent with Chelsea, Southampton, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
"AFC Wimbledon's story is unique in English football and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings," Bertrand said.
"We are not here to change what this club is. We are here to help it go further on and off the pitch, for the men's team, the women's team, and the academy."
"It would be an honour to join the Wimbledon family and help write the next chapter, and we look forward to meeting members and answering their questions over the coming weeks."
Bertrand's 60 appearances for the Canaries were the second-highest total for a single club, behind a long-serving spell at Southampton. He was one of the many loan signings during Glenn Roeder's tenure at Carrow Road, joining as an 18-year-old in January 2008 before returning for another season later that summer.
That loan spell formed part of an excellent career for Bertrand, who went on to establish himself in the Premier League, win major honours with Chelsea, and represent England at international level. The Pink'un