WATCH: Could Berwick Rangers become the new Wrexham?
US businessman vows to put his money where his mouth is to help Lowland League side 'grow'
Last updated 11th Nov 2024
"It's great to come over and be a supporter of it but, we want to put our money where our mouths are and actually be involved in the club and help them grow; because if we can't help them grow then we're not doing anything here."
That's US-based businessman Chris Butler speaking highly of Berwick Rangers after joining the club's Board of Directors.
He revealed he and wife Joy hope to take a 10 to 15 per cent stake in the MKM Shielfield Park side, after parting ways with fellow Lowland League club Caledonian Braves.
Could it be a marriage made in heaven? The wedding venue owners already appear to be having a positive impact - after taking in Berwick's 2-0 win over Albion Rovers on Saturday.
"We're excited to be here," Chris told Greatest Hits Radio. "My grandfather was born in Scotland, so we thought: 'Let's get involved with Scottish football. I wanted something the kids could be involved with, along with us. It's just something that's fun to be involved with.
"We got involved with Caledonian Braves up in Glasgow. They're a phenomenal organisation and they're having an amazing year. We just weren't able to get involved as much as we wanted to, so we decided - both - to part ways. And, when they gave us the opportunity here, we decided to jump on it."
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video with Berwick Rangers new director...
The Eagleview Event Center's logo already features on all the match balls, after the Butlers agreed what was described as a "significant five-figure" sponsorship deal with the Lowland League at the start of the season.
And the investment, from across the pond, has led to some supporters drawing parallels with Wrexham, which has shot up the English leagues following backing from Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
"You can look at something like that," Chris acknowledged. "If you look at the town itself, the town loves this team, and wants a reason to continue to love this team.
"The team is down a little bit at the moment, but no-one works harder than the board to get them back to where they want to be.
"Obviously, promotion is the number one goal. But I think, short-term, you just continue to move your way up the ladder here in the Lowland League.
"And get back to where everybody is here and excited and looking for a reason to come out every week and have fun."
The club has announced a flurry of comings and goings in recent weeks as it continues to strengthen on the park, ahead of a crucial run of homes games.
But Chris said that's not something he's been involved with "yet".
"They've talked to me a little bit about some of the things that are happening," he admitted, "but I think from a board perspective those are things I'm looking to get involved with.
"And then, shortly thereafter, something that we know is coming is that I'm also going to invest in the club and take ownership in the club of some fashion - 10-15 per cent ownership of the club is what we're looking at - so we're pretty excited about that."
He added: “The moment Joy and I came to Shielfield Park during the summer, we knew it was a place we wanted to be part of. We are excited to already have committed to sponsoring the Women’s team with our wedding venue, Eagleview Event Center, and just as excited to be a big part of the men’s team as well!"
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