Latest news with #Giannotti
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘I expect glorious days ahead' – Athlone Town backer adds to football portfolio with stake in Northern Ireland club
ATHLONE TOWN backer Nick Giannotti has expanded his interests by buying a stake in Larne. Giannotti and Eric Perez will join the board of directors at Inver Park after Redball Global acquired Kenny Bruce's 50 percent holding in his hometown club. The Giannotti is already a director at Plymouth Argyle whilst Canadian Perez is the owner of Truro City who have won promotion to the National League. Giannotti said: 'It's very exciting to join a club with a great community, a great ground, great partners, and more. Together I expect glorious days ahead.' It is unclear what sort of interaction there might be between the various clubs. Other multi-club models such as the Trivela Group's owning both Walsall and Drogheda United and Waterford's link-up with Fleetwood Town have seen significant traffic between sister clubs. Read More on League of Ireland Trivela's acquisition of Silkerborg ultimately cost Drogheda a place in European competition, earned on the back of their FAI Cup win. The American company failed to take the necessary steps to comply with Uefa's rules around ownership to allow both clubs compete in the Europa Conference League. As Silkeborg finished higher in the Danish League than Drogheda did in the League of Ireland, they got the nod to take part. 1 Athlone Town backer Nick Giannotti has bought a stake in Larne FC Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
The 42
04-07-2025
- Business
- The 42
American businessman confirmed as new owner of Athlone Town
NICK GIANNOTTI HAS been confirmed as the new owner of Athlone Town AFC. Giannotti takes over from US-based company owners Valeo Futbol Partnership. The American businessman is a co-founder of Redball Energy, a Washington-based solar company, and has served as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Advertisement In a statement, Giannotti pledged to be 'honest, transparent, thoughtful, and open' with supporters in his new role. 'Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner,' Giannotti said. A message from Nick Giannotti. — Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) July 4, 2025 'I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. 'My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. Related Reads Bohemians are a financial monster in League of Ireland and will only get stronger Shelbourne confirm Joey O'Brien as Damien Duff's full-time successor Losing the LOI's top scorer for €30,000 shows measures clubs must take just to keep up 'Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. 'While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you.' Athlone currently sit bottom of the First Division table, having won just three of their 21 league games.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
US businessman makes passionate plea to fans upon completion of League of Ireland club takeover
NEW Athlone Town owner Nick Giannotti has vowed not to be an absentee landlord. The American Plymouth Argyle director has taken over the Midlands club through his club Redball Energy. Advertisement There has been significant upheaval and uncertainty at Athlone since another USA-based venture, Valeo, cut off its funding at the end of last season. But, in an open letter on the club's website, Giannotti - who oversaw Giannott said: 'As I have yet to spend a significant amount of time on the ground with the Club and in the community, getting to know all of you, please afford me the opportunity to introduce myself briefly. 'Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. 'As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. 'My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. 'My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. Advertisement Most read in Football 'Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. 'More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Watch Roy Keane break character in hilarious blooper reel for League of Ireland ad "Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. 'While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Advertisement "Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you.' Athlone's men's team are rooted to the foot of the First Division whilst their women's team are preparing for a Champions League qualifier against 1 Giannotti promised widespread investment will be made across all aspects of the club And he vowed there are better times ahead for the club as a whole. Advertisement He said: 'There are many things that my team and I intend to do, but our vision is rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability. 'We will invest in the club's infrastructure, our players, and our staff. "We will work tirelessly to build financial stability, sustainability, and increase revenue streams, enabling our teams to succeed on the pitch. 'We will become a club that nurtures and showcases young talent, both from Ireland and beyond, guided by data, smart recruitment, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the pitch.' Advertisement
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner': Nick Giannotti completes Athlone town takeover
Athlone have endured a difficult season, only winning three games all campaign. The departure of Dario Castelo as manager in April was followed by the release of five players - Adam Wixted, Declan McDaid, Kyle O'Connor, JR Wilson and Bastien Héry - in May. Since then, the club appointed former Wexford and Bray Wanderers boss Ian Ryan in early June, with Giannotti's takeover the next step in their rebuilding process. Giannotti's vision, he notes, is "rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability". Gianotti's statement read, in-full: " To the supporters of Athlone Town AFC, it is with great pride and excitement that I write to you today. "Since my very first conversation about Athlone Town, this moment has been on my mind. It's a privilege to now formally take on the responsibility of leading this historic club into its next chapter. "First and foremost, I want to thank David Dully, John Hayden, and Michael O'Connor for their dedication and assistance during this transition. Just a few weeks ago, we began this new journey by appointing Ian Ryan as manager of the Men's First Team, a decision that reflects our ambitions and intent. "As I have yet to spend a significant amount of time on the ground with the Club and in the community, getting to know all of you, please afford me the opportunity to introduce myself briefly. Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner. "I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. "As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. "My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. "Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. "Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. "While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you. "There are many things that my team and I intend to do, but our vision is rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability. "We will invest in the club's infrastructure, our players, and our staff. We will work tirelessly to build financial stability, sustainability, and increase revenue streams, enabling our teams to succeed on the pitch. "We will become a club that nurtures and showcases young talent, both from Ireland and beyond, guided by data, smart recruitment, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the pitch. "Just as importantly, we want Athlone Town to feel like a family. We'll maintain and celebrate cherished traditions, and we'll continue to make this club a source of local pride. You'll see us in the stands, in the community, and hopefully, in the hearts of more and more supporters. "I look forward to listening and talking with many of you, hearing what this Club means to you, and how we can continue to improve it together. I don't have all the answers, and I won't be able to grant every wish, but I promise to be honest, transparent, thoughtful, and open with you all. "This journey will have its highs and lows. That's football. But we'll face them together, as a community, as a Club, as a town. "Finally, later this month and into next, Athlone Town will host the UEFA Women's Champions League. Our hosting of games is a truly special opportunity to showcase not only our team, but also our facilities, our people, and the pride of the Midlands on a European stage. "Let's make this next chapter something truly special. Thank you for welcoming me and my family. I am so excited to join you all as a massive supporter of the Club and the community."
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
WFAN's Gregg Giannotti rips ESPN insider telling complaining Yankees fans to ‘shut the f–k up'
Don't worry, Yankees fans, Gregg Giannotti will always have your back. During Thursday's episode of 'Boomer & Gio' on WFAN, Giannotti took offense to Jeff Passan's comments about Yankee fans in which the ESPN insider said he is tired of complaints from The Bronx faithful. 'This is a typical guy from Kansas City,' Giannotti responded during the episode. 'I understand he covers baseball. He might have lived in the Northeast at some point. Advertisement 'There is a standard, and the Yankee fan is allowed to complain if they haven't won a World Series since 2009, since they are the Yankees, and they hadn't been to one, obviously, until last year, and then it was a terrible ending for them. 'They're allowed to be pissed off. A lot of them now are right in the middle of their lives that grew up with the dynasty in the late '90s, into the early 2000s. So that's what they grew up like.' Advertisement 3 Jeff Passan criticized Yankees fans recently about their constant complaining. The Max Mannis Pod 3 Gregg Giannotti fires back at Jeff Passan after his comments about Yankees fans. X /@awfulannouncing Co-host Boomer Esiason echoed Giannotti's remarks, saying that being from Kansas City, Passan is not used to rooting for a team that is consistently successful. Despite currently living in Kansas City and being a fan of the Chiefs, Passan grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland. Advertisement Passan made the original comments on an episode of 'The Max Mannis Podcast,' where he said that Yankees fans should not solely have the 'championship or bust' mindset. 3 Fans holds up a an errent bat lost by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) after a strike out during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'It's also why when I hear Yankees fans complain, I'm like, 'Shut the f–k up,'' Passan said on the episode, which aired Tuesday. 'Listen, would you rather have a team that is competitive every year and might not win a championship, or a team that stinks? Would you rather be a Yankees fan or a Pirates fan?' Despite having a hot start to the 2025 season, the Yankees are currently tied with the Blue Jays for first place in the AL East with the Rays sitting just 0.5 games back.
