CLIFTONVILLE Football Club members have voted in favour of a multi-million pound investment by the Toronto Investment Group (TIG).
TIG is made up of former Cliftonville midfielder Conor Devine, entrepreneur and co-owner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, Drew Green, chartered accountant John Muffolini and Bangor-born corporate director Ron Davidson.
As well as pledging a minimum outlay of £3m during the first three years of ownership, TIG also want:
- Introduction of a full-time model
- Substantial financial backing in the transfer market
- State-of-the-art training ground
- Supplying additional resources to the Reds’ academy
- Turning Solitude into an all-seater 5-6,000 capacity stadium featuring a new main stand and seated facilities along the length of the Waterworks end
- Redevelopment of the White House — the historic former pavilion and changing area into a club museum
- Legally binding agreement to never sell Solitude
- Protection of Cliftonville’s badge and colours
In a statement Cliftonville FC said: "At this evening’s Extraordinary General Meeting of Cliftonville FC, Members of the Club voted in favour of a Special Resolution authorising the Board of Directors to complete an investment agreement with the Toronto Investment Group.
"We thank all of our Members for their attendance at tonight’s meeting, for their attentive examination of the transaction structure presented by the Club’s legal representatives and for participating in the historic poll that has shaped the future of Ireland’s oldest football club.
"We look forward to a long and prosperous association with Drew Green, John Muffolini, Ron Davidson and Conor Devine, and extend sincere gratitude for the professionalism and commitment they have demonstrated throughout this process."
