Leeds United have matched Wrexham as new ‘merger’ mooted – Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Leeds United have followed Wrexham’s footsteps by bringing Hollywood actor Will Ferrell on board.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed celebrities can be “very important” in football amid a “merger” between the two industries.
According to the BBC (5 May), actor and Los Angeles FC part-owner Will Ferrell is set to purchase a minor stake in Leeds.
American golf stars Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are already shareholders in 49ers Enterprises – the majority owners at Elland Road.
Wrexham are owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who have spearheaded a boom in popularity globally as well as promotion to League One.
Leeds have followed Wrexham and Birmingham example after Hollywood investment
Birmingham have also attracted US investment, with NFL legend Tom Brady a minority owner of the club – who were relegated to the third tier this season.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Celebrities seeing the Wrexham story become so big in the US, and NBC paying big fees to show games.
“Depending on the celebrity, these agents can see football as a very viable way to promote their client.
“The agents are definitely getting involved in this.
“What’s interesting is groups like CAA, Creative Artists Agency, which were a huge Hollywood agency – they’ve bought into football in the UK.
“So there’s now a merger between the football industry and the entertainment industry.
“That’s clear. We’ve got Wrexham, and Birmingham with Tom Brady – and now Leeds.
“To have a celebrity on board is very important, I feel. But the main thing is making sure they are genuine fans.
“I think it will be big, especially in overseas markets. If I was with a club right now, I’d certainly be trying to find out who my celebrity fans were and making them work harder.”
In other news, pundit drops ‘huge’ Daniel Farke sack verdict at Leeds.
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