Latest news with #RobbieCowling
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American firm in talks to buy Colchester United cryptically updates its website
THE American investors that are on the cusp of possibly taking over Colchester United have updated their website. Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling confirmed last week he is in advanced talks to sell the club to United States-based consortium, Lightwell Sports Group. In the statement, it was revealed that Lightwell Sports Group is owned by American businessman, Tim Foley. There is not much information about the group online except a website which has a 2025 copyright. Lightwell Sports Group has now updated the website to include an unseen video that was recorded at Colchester's home match against Morecambe on January 25. Colchester United won 1–0 and there was an attendance of 4,328 football fans on the day. In the footage, you can supporters at the fan shop at the JobServe Community Stadium, players on the pitch, the crowd, and moments from the match. Mr Foley's LinkedIn profile states he is the owner of Lightwell Development, a New York based property development firm which built more than 100 apartments last year. He has previously worked for the United World Wresting group as a senior manager of media operations. Colchester Council issued an update after it was understood from a credible source that the deal does not include the sale of the JobServe Community Stadium, which is owned by the authority.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Colchester Council issue update on Jobserve Stadium as Col U takeover deal continues
Colchester Council says it will 'protect and promote' the city's stadium as Colchester United's boss is currently in advanced talks regarding the sale of the club to an American investor. On Tuesday, Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling confirmed he is in advanced talks to sell the club to United States-based consortium, Lightwell Sports Group. There has been a mixed reaction of caution and optimism from the fans so far. Colchester United say they will not be making any further comments while the legal and regulatory processes are ongoing. Chairman - Robbie Cowling (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL) However, The Gazette understands from a credible source that the deal does not include the sale of the JobServe Community Stadium, which is owned by the authority. When approached by The Gazette, a Colchester Council spokesman has explained it is engaging 'constructively with all parties' as negotiations continue. They said: 'As the landlord of the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester Council recognises the vital importance of the club and the stadium to the local community. 'The stadium is not only home to Colchester United, but is also a community stadium, serving as a key asset for local groups, events, and residents beyond football. Colchester United - the stadium (Image: NEWSQUEST) 'We welcome the assurance that the prospective new owners share a strong commitment to the club's future and the wider community. 'The council has a long-standing lease arrangement with the club, and while we will continue to engage constructively with all parties, we are mindful of the commercial sensitivity surrounding the details of that agreement. 'Our priority remains to protect and promote the stadium as a secure, well-managed, and thriving home for both Colchester United and the many community groups who rely on its facilities.' The spokesman confirmed the council respects the 'confidentiality of any commercial discussions while ensuring that the community use of the stadium is safeguarded'. It is also looking forward to working with the new 'ownership group' to support a smooth transition and the 'long-term success' of the 'important local asset'. Manager - Colchester United's Danny Cowley (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL) Lightwell Sports Group is owned by American businessman Tim Foley. There is not much information about the group online except a website which has a 2025 copyright and a video of Colchester United. Mr Foley's LinkedIn profile states he is the owner of Lightwell Development, a New York based property development firm which built more than 100 apartments last year. He has previously worked for the United World Wresting group as a senior manager of media operations.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Pivotal' time for Colchester takeover
Colchester United head coach Danny Cowley says the proposed takeover of the club comes at a "pivotal" point for the U' Robbie Cowling, who has owned the League Two club since 2006, is in advanced talks to sell the club to US consortium Lightwell Sports side missed out on the play-offs on the final day of the season and he may soon have new owners to work with as he begins to prepare for the next campaign."It's a pivotal time," the 46-year-old told BBC Radio Essex. "Lots of decisions need to be made and it's harder to make decisions when you don't have complete clarity. "The timing plays a big role because we can't move in terms of provisions, staffing and player recruitment."Colchester went unbeaten in 13 games between the end of January and mid-March to push towards the play-offs but failed to win any of their final four to fall short of the top seven by three it was a campaign of progress for the club, after finishes of 22nd, 20th, 15th and 20th in their previous four seasons which were mostly spent battling to avoid relegation."We'll just continue to work," Cowley added. "We have clarity on where the team is and what we need to do to move forward. I think the club is in the best place it's been for a number of years and I really believe the future is exciting."We're in an important period in terms of planning to move forward, trying to give players certainty and looking to recruit in the areas we need to."Our challenge is to try to keep this group together as much as we can so we don't need a complete rebuild. We feel we've got a platform now that we can push on from. We're hoping we can find a springboard to propel the club forward." 'We've lived these moments before' Dealing with change at boardroom level will not be a new experience for Cowley and brother Nicky, also on the U's coaching staff."I lived it at Lincoln where Clive Nates took over as we progressed from the National League," Cowley said."When we went to Huddersfield, Phil Hodgkinson had just taken over from Dean Hoyle and that wasn't straightforward by any stretch of the imagination."And at Portsmouth we had just signed new contracts, then the next day the CEO Mark Catlin told us he was leaving. We've lived these moments before and we'll try to use our experience to navigate our way through it." Cowley also paid tribute to Cowling after 19 years of ownership."I hate to think of the millions he's invested of his own wealth," the head coach added. "Nicky and I have really enjoyed working with him."Whenever I meet really successful people I always try to work out what makes them so successful. With Robbie it's clear: it's just a relentless determination and work ethic. "It's inspirational the way he works across all of his businesses. The bit that stood out for me was his unconditional love for the club."
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Lyle Taylor: Forward hoping for new Colchester United deal
Colchester United striker Lyle Taylor hopes he has done enough to earn a new deal with the League Two club for next season. The 35-year-old was United's top scorer this term with 13 goals, but ended it on crutches after suffering a calf injury early in the 2-0 win at Newport County on 12 April. The former Nottingham Forest forward joined the U's last summer on a 12-month deal, reuniting him with Danny and Nicky Cowley, for whom he played at Concord Rangers early in his career. "I have decided against going away this summer, I've got about nine weeks of rehab to do before I'll be back on the pitch with everybody else and I'd like that to be in a Colchester United training top," he told BBC Essex Sport. "Unfortunately that's not up to me at this point. I want to be here next year, that's as plainly as I can put it and let's hope the powers that be and everything goes in my favour and we can make it happen." Colchester missed out on the play-offs, finishing 10th in League Two following a goalless draw with Barrow. And the club is now considering the retained list amid reports that owner Robbie Cowling is negotiating to sell his stake to a US consortium. Taylor had travelled to their penultimate game at Salford City despite his mobility issues in order to support the team. They lost that game 4-1 and he joked: "By the time I managed to get out of the dressing room on my sticks, it was already settled."
ITV News
07-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
League Two club Colchester United in takeover talks with US consortium Lightwell Sports Group
League Two Colchester United are in advanced discussions to be taken over by a US consortium, the club's chairman has confirmed. Robbie Cowling, who has owned the club since August 2006, said he was in talks with Lightwell Sports Group led by businessman Tim Foley. In a statement on the club's website, Cowling said he was "close to finalising a deal to pass ownership to a US-based consortium". He said: "These discussions have been ongoing for some time, during which time I have grown to believe that the prospective new owners not only share my passion, and respect for the community, but are much better placed than I am to take Colchester United forward. "It has been an incredible journey, and I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition that secures the best possible future for the club, its supporters, and everyone connected with Colchester United. "I will provide further updates as soon as I am able to." Lightwell Sports Group is owned by Tim Foley, an American businessman who also owns a company called Lightwell Development. He has been the owner since 2020 having previously work for United World Wrestling. League Two side Colchester recently missed out on a play-off spot after drawing to Barrow on Saturday.
