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Birmingham City notebook: Garry Cook, Matus Bero and fresh takeover approval
Former Manchester City CEO Garry Cook is among the high profile sports executives with links to Knighthead’s proposed Birmingham City takeover.
Birmingham-born Cook was pictured alongside Knighthead boss Tom Wagner at St Andrew’s on the final day of last season, sparking rumours that he could be involved in the new look set-up. Those suggestions are premature but Cook has been influential behind-the-scenes since local businessman Jeremy Dale began negotiations with current owners Birmingham Sports Holdings (BSHL) last year.
Cook was introduced to Wagner by Dale as someone with a proven track record of success in the football industry. The 65-year-old was CEO of City during their first two seasons under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi United Group.
He helped start their ascent to the top of English and European football before departing in 2011. Cook also spent four years with the UFC before leaving in 2016.
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Luring Cook to Blues in an official capacity might not be the easiest task anyhow. He was appointed the CEO and executive president of the Saudi Pro League in January and is currently overseeing an influx of global transfers.
Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January on a reported £170million a year – a similar salary has been taken by Karim Benzema, who joined champions Al-Ittihad this week. Chelsea icon N’Golo Kante is also on the way to Al-Ittihad in a deal worth over £80m per season.
Fresh takeover approval
In addition to the EFL, the Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship Board have approved Wagner’s takeover. Birmingham City Women come under the umbrella of the club, which Knighthead – via subsidiary Shelby Companies Limited – are purchasing a 45.64 percent stake in.
The final hurdle for Wagner and Co is to earn the approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Circular is due to be sent out to shareholders to vote on before the end of June.
A statement sent to BirminghamLive by Knighthead said: “Knighthead is pleased to announce that Shelby Companies Limited has been approved by the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship Board to acquire Birmingham City Women as part of the proposed acquisition of 45% of Birmingham City Football Club and no conditions will be placed on Birmingham City Women’s ongoing membership of the leagues.
“Shelby has also met the criteria outlined in the FA’s Owners and Directors’ Test (OADT). Knighthead wishes to thank all parties involved for their support throughout the process.”
Matus Bero links
Genuine transfer links have been few and far between in a summer window still in its infancy. Blues’ recruitment team of Craig Gardner, Frank McParland and Joe Carnall are working busily away from the public glare to try and find reinforcements for John Eustace’s squad.
It is easier said than done with the Financial Fair Play constraints Blues are working under this summer. Even with a sizeable Jude Bellingham cash boost, Blues still have some housekeeping to do in order to stay within the rules.
Freebies and loans remain the club’s best bet and Blues have tentatively been linked with Slovakian midfielder Matus Bero. Bero, 27, is leaving Dutch club Vitesse as a free agent after registering five goals and three assists in 31 Eredivisie matches last term.
The extra sets of eyes, courtesy of McParland and Carnall’s arrivals in February, means Blues can cast their net further afield. All of Blues’ signings last summer arrived from fellow English clubs, but that might not be the case this summer.
Millwall found joy in the Netherlands during Carnall’s time at The Den, signing attacking midfielder Zian Flemming who scored 15 goals in his debut Championship season. How Blues could do with finding a gem like that.
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