Notts County, the world's oldest professional football club, has been officially taken over by a UAE-backed consortium. Munto Finance Limited, headed by Peter Trembling, will now begin their ambitious plan to turn the League Two club ? formed in 1862 ? into an established Championship side within five years. Trembling will become The Magpies' chairman and chief executive, while Peter Willett, a client representative of the Dubai-based Al Thani Investment Group who will become a director.
County have revealed Ian McParland, the manager, will be given funds to strengthen his squad to help them rise through the leagues. Experienced players are the target, but young talent will also be developed with the improvement of training facilities. "I firmly believe this is a momentous day for all those involved with Notts County, particularly for the club's loyal supporters," Trembling said. "I can promise them that the new owners and my management team will do everything that we can to bring success back to Meadow Lane. "We have already voiced our plans for the next five years, and that's very clearly to get us into the Championship.
"It may be that this season is one of consolidation, but without doubt, the concentration, the onus, is on getting up this season." There will also be investment in the stadium to make it more commercially viable. Trembling said that the investment programme will ensure the financial stability, community involvement and success of Notts County both on and off the pitch. "We are showing our commitment to the club and the surrounding community and I hope that we can attract many more people to this unique club over the coming years," he added. akhan@thenational.ae