Haverfordwest County AFC are delighted to announce significant new investment into the club, which will result in an immediate change of controlling parties and a renewed vision for the club over the coming years.
The club has accepted a proposal from a syndicate headed by Saudi Royal Family (House of Saud) member Sheikh it-Babi to take full ownership of the club with immediate effect.
The deal is without doubt the most significant in the history of Welsh domestic football, as the club continues its ambitious project with this latest statement of intent.
Commenting on the news, chairman Rob Edwards stated: “It’s been no secret that I have been open to securing new investment over the last few months, but never envisaged the levels of interest it attracted.”
As part of this investment, Edwards will step down from his role as chairman with immediate effect, but will remain as a consultant until the end of the season to ensure a smooth handover.
He added: “It’s been such a wonderful period in charge, and I would like to think we have really taken the club forward and put them on the map, not just in the county, but across Wales.
“However, I feel the new owners can take it to levels not previously seen in Welsh football, and I am excited now – as a fan – to see where this amazing club can go.”
Since the arrival of Edwards in the summer of 2020, County have experienced countless memorable moments as they look to establish themselves in the top-flight of Welsh football.
After achieving promotion to the JD Cymru Premier for the 2020-21 season, the team performed above expectations as they spent the majority of Phase One competing for a place in the Championship Conference. Having narrowly missed out, they eventually secured a ninth-placed finish in a campaign which included notable victories over The New Saints and Bala Town, two wins against close rivals Aberystwyth Town and Corey Shephard’s goal from the half way line against Newtown.
Despite struggling somewhat in the early stages of this season, the Bluebirds have experienced an upturn in form since the arrival of manager Nicky Hayen, with the team climbing from 11th to 7th in the JD Cymru Premier. The new owners have demonstrated their optimism for the remainder of the season, and look forward to seeing the team finish the campaign in strong fashion.
To conclude, we wish to make clear that Hayen will remain in post as First Team Manager going forward, and this was made clear by the new owners.
The club will make further announcements in due course.
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