US investor backs non-league 'sleeping giant'

A US businessman who has become a major investor in Goole AFC says he sees the football club as a "sleeping giant" that is already waking up.

Michael Becker, a digital health entrepreneur from Wisconsin, has taken what he described as a "substantial" stake in the club who currently play in Division One of the Northern Counties East League, the 10th tier of the English football pyramid.

Despite never having visited Goole, Becker said he had spent the past 18 months following the club's fortunes from across the Atlantic and researching the East Yorkshire town.

"I probably know more things about Goole than half the residents," he joked.

Becker, who is due to attend Goole's home match later this month, was asked how a businessman from Wisconsin had ended up investing in a non-league football club more than 3,800 miles (6,100km) away.

He said he first learned about the Vikings through a contact he met while investing in Northern Irish side Carrick Rangers.

"As much as somebody can from Wisconsin, I've kind of followed how the club's been doing [since]," he said.

Becker, who has built his career in the digital health sector, declined to disclose the value of his investment, but said it represented a "substantial" percentage stake in the club.

He said he had also launched and grown businesses of his own, something he believes translates directly into football club ownership.

"I love building things and building cultures and building infrastructure that allows organisations to scale.

"I want to grow something. I want that to be Goole AFC and I want to help build it."

When asked about the growing trend of American investors buying into English football clubs, Becker said his motivation was rooted in a genuine love of the game.

He said the club's leadership team had done a fantastic job and had ambitious plans for the future.

"I've heard Goole described as a sleeping giant.

"I actually don't think we're sleeping any more.

"For the size of club that it is, and the town and the history, we have the pieces in place already to achieve promotion a few times over in the coming years."

As well as the football, Becker said he was also looking forward to meeting the fans.

"What I'm really excited about is to actually have a lot of conversations with supporters that are local and talk about the history of Goole and get context that I couldn't have before," he said.

Becker said he also planned to embrace every aspect of the matchday experience, including a traditional Bovril on the terraces.

After having the hot beef drink explained to him, he replied: "Put me down for a Bovril for sure."

Club chairman Alan Wilson said Becker's "long-term dedication aligns perfectly with our vision for the club's future.

"This investment marks an exceptionally exciting chapter for our supporters and the entire Goole community."

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