Over 50 years after it was initially closed, it was announced today that JR Wellington Sports Management was returning to run a pair of new top-tier football clubs. The decision was announced at a press event held outside of the Wellington Financial headquarters in London. "It is an exciting day for us here as we make our grand return to professional football" said Geoffrey Wellington, CEO of JR Wellington Group. "I have always had a passionate love of the sport, and we feel that the time is right for us to make our return."
The CEO talked about sharing his love of football with his late grandfather, the legendary businessman and sports executive Gregory Wellington. "I always remember how excited granddad would get attending the matches and talking about the teams" Geoffrey Wellington said, responding to a question about the ownership group's history. "We are hoping that we can carry on that tradition in the modern day. Our expectations are going to be high. There are still many championship trophies adorning our shelves, and we have every intention to add to that collection."
Wellington was pleased to announce the two clubs under their management: FC Whitehorse Freezers in Canada and Overijssel United FC in the Netherlands. The Freezers have already been confirmed to be joining the Canadian Soccer League for the upcoming season, while Overijssel is still awaiting final league approval before their entry is confirmed. When asked what role he would be taking on with the new football clubs, Geoffrey Wellington made clear his desire to put the day-to-day operations of the club in the hands of the club executives. "We have a good team of people in control of football operations in Whitehorse. A lot of football experience in that room that will be making the football-related decisions. My role is going to be more in a financial and advisory capacity. But, I am also a fan. I have every intention to attend several matches during the year, and provide our teams the resources that they need to succeed."
FC Whitehorse Freezers' upcoming debut match against The Real Worker Footballers will mark the official return of JR Wellington Sports Management.