Latest news with #Bord
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
James Bord reveals timeframe for Dunfermline Athletic's Premiership return and bold spending plans
Owner James Bord has set Dunfermline Athletic the target of winning promotion to the Premiership within the next two years. The timescale fits neatly with the new contract the Pars agreed last week with manager Neil Lennon, who Bord insists can 'steer the ship back in the right direction'. Bord and business partner Evan Sofer took control of the East End Park club earlier this year and are determined to use their data analytics and artificial intelligence background to bring success to the Fifers. And they have promised to push the boat out financially in search of a way back to the top-flight that Dunfermline last graced 13 years ago. 'I wouldn't say it was soulless, but it was lost as a club,' Bord says of Dunfermline in an interview with The Athletic. 'A big personality can steer the ship back in the right direction. Neil's presence at the club makes everyone's day around the place. 'Neil's front-foot playing style suits my philosophy, and hopefully we have him now for another two years. 'In terms of spending, there's a calculation: How long you stay in the Championship, and what you lose in cash-burn, against promotion? 'We have concluded that we're happy to spend a little bit more money to give ourselves a better chance of going up as quickly as possible. 'We'd hope to be in the Premiership within two years. 'But, as long as I can see development in the playing style and in the playing squad, I think that (promotion) comes naturally. With a bit of luck, of course.' Bord made money as a professional poker player and may be comfortable with the theory of speculating to accumulate. However, it is through his work with his United States-based Short Circuit venture, which he launched in 2016 and now employs 350 people, that the Londoner hopes to help Dunfermline prosper. A background working for Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who has also been cleared to invest in Hearts, and Brentford owner Matthew Benham sparked Bord's interest in bringing the field of data analytics to football. 'I bought Dunfermline because I love the underdog,' said Bord, who also owns stakes in Bulgarian second-tier outfit Septemvri Sofia and Cordoba in Spain's La Liga 2. 'The ambition is to bring back some of their history, but also to change the atmosphere at the club. 'Optimism. They are a very passionate fanbase that has suffered enough pain, and we'd like to bring them some joy.' In a rare interview, he added: 'We were looking for an outlet to develop young players. We have three clubs and we don't want to bite off more than we can chew. 'A step-by-step approach is much healthier, as creating stress hurts performance. We are focusing on Dunfermline.'
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Seafood economy worth €1.24 billion in 2024
A Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) report has found the value of Ireland's seafood economy increased to €1.24 billion last year, an increase of four percent compared to 2023. The increase was largely driven by a nine percent increases in exports, a three percent increase in domestic sales and an 11 percent increase in landings to Irish ports. The top three countries for seafood exports last year were France, the UK and Italy. France was Ireland's largest market for seafood exports, valued at €141 million with Irish organic salmon, oysters and crab the top three species exported. BIM said investments in processing technologies, stronger exports, and record prices achieved for mackerel contributed to last year's growth. A 44 percent increase in the value of Irish organic salmon sales last year contributed to an overall value 25 percent increase for the aquaculture sector. However, certain sectors experienced a challenging year, particularly rope mussel producers in the south west and rock oyster producers. Retail seafood sales in Ireland increased by three percent to €333 million. Some 93 in every 100 Irish households bought fresh or frozen seafood last year, lower than the 2017 peak result of 97 per cent. 'A key economic driver' The Bord Iascaigh Mhara Business of Seafood report was launched by Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, who acknowledged the volatility of the trading environment. Minister Dooley said investments made under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and further planned investment are laying strong foundations for the sector. "The seafood industry provides employment for almost 17,000 people. It is a key economic driver in our coastal communities. "I understand the pressures industry are facing and the key role they play in food security and the provision of healthy and sustainable food," Minister Dooley said. BIM CEO Caroline Bocquel said the latest Business of Seafood report demonstrates the sector's resilience and capacity to adapt as markets continue to shift. She said targeted supports and investment in the €258.4 million Seafood Development Programme 2021-27 are driving innovation and strengthening the sector's position. The seafood processing sector generated €947 million in turnover and supported more than 3,200 jobs last year. BIM said while the processing sector's overall value decreased slightly last year - investment continued to drive energy efficiency, automation, and product innovation. The BIM report shows the fishing sector's is heavily dependent on two species - mackerel and Dublin Bay Prawns accounted for almost half of landings' value last year. BIM said quota cuts and rising costs continue to affect the fleet, however they said improved demersal quotas in the north west were among positive changes. EU-UK fishing deal fails Ireland - fish processors Meanwhile, fish producers say the EU's announcement yesterday that it plans to extend the current post-Brexit UK fishing deal to 2038 without changes is "a serious concern to coastal communities". The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) is calling on the Government to meet the EU Commission to address quota issues. The IFPO said as part of the Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement five years ago - 40 percent of the total value of EU quotas transferred to the UK was from Ireland. CEO of the IFPO Aodh O'Donnell said: "there was no justification first time round for Ireland to be singled out to pay such a high price for the UK fishing agreement". "There is even less reason now, as we have loudly and clearly outlined how damaging this deal was for Ireland. It has already cost our industry an estimated €180 million to date. "The deal announced largely extends the unbalanced EU fishing quota and access arrangements for 12 years to June 2038." Mr O'Donnell said the IFPO supports the Fisheries and Maritime Minister Timmy Dooley, in his ongoing work. They are calling on MEPs and officials to demand "a fairer deal for Ireland before the new agreement is due to come into effect next year". He has welcomed the statement from Irish MEP Nina Carberry, who called for a level playing field for Irish fishermen from the EU-UK Summit. Ireland holds about 12% of EU waters and it is allocated less than 6% of fishing quotas, which fishing leaders say is inequitable. Mr O'Donnell said the maintenance of the Brexit deal is "a disaster" - especially for the Mackerel and Dublin Bay Prawn fleets. He said the mackerel fleet lost 26% of their quota and the Dublin Bay Prawn fleet lost 15% of its quota as part of the 2020 Brexit deal. "Europe failed to apply the principle of relative stability underpinning the Common Fisheries Policy with the Brexit deal which is now being extended. "We're call for a re-balancing of the Brexit burden. This requires an internal redistribution of the quotas, or this fundamental inequity will be locked in for 12 years," Mr O'Donnell said.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Sheffield United set to AXE club scouts as they turn to never-before-seen method to sign new players
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHEFFIELD UNITED are turning to an Anglo-American AI talent spotting company to find new players — and that will mean the axe for top scouts The Blades are now under American ownership, who plan to run all targets through the databanks and computerised systems of a super-spy company. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sheffield United are set to axe club scouts Credit: Rex 3 Manager Chris Wilder is hoping to take the club back to the Premier League Credit: Getty 3 Poker star James Bord is involved in the new system to find players Credit: POKER VIDEO Insiders reveal Las Vegas-based, London-born James Bord is the middleman involved in finding players, hopefully for the Premier League next season. Bord made a fortune as a poker player before shifting his focus to the computer world, where his companies and ideas have thrived in several fields. Blades boss Chris Wilder signed several players for the promotion push and most were found by the old-fashioned way. However, the Yank owners are convinced that the new methods are the Blades' future. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL VARD KNOCK LIFE Moment Jamie Vardy grabs prone ref's wrist and blows whistle to stop game And insiders reveal that a couple of January signings were also double-checked for approval by this outfit. United also brought in a couple of young players from abroad in discoveries made by a San Francisco company called Both Bord and business partner Evan Sofer are also the new owners of Scottish club Dunfermline through a company they set up called Park Bench. Links have already been forged between United and the Pars, with the two clubs pushing through a loan deal for Blades midfielder Owen Hampson. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS If United make the Prem via the play-offs they will be relying heavily on finding the next signings by their new analytic allies. In the meantime, their own scouts could be reduced or made redundant as a result. Football teams that controversially changed their badge Bord's relationship with United could also grow. He wants to have a stake in an English club and they are firmly in his sights. He already has an interest in Spanish side Cordoba and an outfit in Bulgaria, too.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sheffield United set to AXE club scouts as they turn to never-before-seen method to sign new players
SHEFFIELD UNITED are turning to an Anglo-American AI talent spotting company to find new players — and that will mean the axe for top scouts The Blades are now under American ownership, who plan to run all targets through the databanks and computerised systems of a super-spy company. 3 3 3 Insiders reveal Las Vegas-based, London-born James Bord is the middleman involved in finding players, hopefully for the Premier League next season. Bord made a fortune as a poker player before shifting his focus to the computer world, where his companies and ideas have thrived in several fields. Blades boss Chris Wilder signed several players for the promotion push and most were found by the old-fashioned way. However, the Yank owners are convinced that the new methods are the Blades' future. And insiders reveal that a couple of January signings were also double-checked for approval by this outfit. United also brought in a couple of young players from abroad in discoveries made by a San Francisco company called Both Bord and business partner Evan Sofer are also the new owners of Scottish club Dunfermline through a company they set up called Park Bench. Links have already been forged between United and the Pars, with the two clubs pushing through a loan deal for Blades midfielder Owen Hampson. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS If United make the Prem via the play-offs they will be relying heavily on finding the next signings by their new analytic allies. In the meantime, their own scouts could be reduced or made redundant as a result. Football teams that controversially changed their badge Bord's relationship with United could also grow. He wants to have a stake in an English club and they are firmly in his sights. He already has an interest in Spanish side Cordoba and an outfit in Bulgaria, too.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Sheffield United set to AXE club scouts as they turn to never-before-seen method to sign new players
SHEFFIELD UNITED are turning to an Anglo-American AI talent spotting company to find new players — and that will mean the axe for top scouts The Advertisement 3 Sheffield United are set to axe club scouts Credit: Rex 3 Manager Chris Wilder is hoping to take the club back to the Premier League Credit: Getty 3 Poker star James Bord is involved in the new system to find players Credit: POKER VIDEO Insiders reveal Las Vegas-based, London-born James Bord is the middleman involved in finding players, hopefully for the Premier League next season. Bord made a fortune as a poker player before shifting his focus to the computer world, where his companies and ideas have thrived in several fields. Blades boss Chris Wilder signed several players for the promotion push and most were found by the old-fashioned way. However, the Yank owners are convinced that the new methods are the Blades' future. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL And insiders reveal that a couple of January signings were also double-checked for approval by this outfit. United also brought in a couple of young players from abroad in discoveries made by a San Francisco company called Both Bord and business partner Evan Sofer are also the new owners of Scottish club Links have already been forged between United and the Pars, with the two clubs pushing through a loan deal for Blades midfielder Owen Hampson. Advertisement Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS If United make the Prem via the play-offs they will be relying heavily on finding the next signings by their new analytic allies. In the meantime, their own scouts could be reduced or made redundant as a result. Football teams that controversially changed their badge Bord's relationship with United could also grow. Advertisement He wants to have a stake in an English club and they are firmly in his sights. He already has an interest in Spanish side Cordoba and an outfit in Bulgaria, too. Who are these famous footballers? I was West Ham captain but I almost I'm a I'm an ex-Man Utd star - now I was Thierry Henry's toughest opponent but I'm a former Wolves striker but I left football behind
