A TOP media boss has spken of his pride at becoming the new owner of the Glasgow Clan Ice Hockey Club.
Michael O’Rourke was speaking as his TDL Media company completed the takeover of Glasgow Clan while also becoming the new operators of Braehead Arena.
The move brings to an end Clan founder Neil Black’s 13-year ownership of the club.
Mr O'Rourke immediately outlined his ambitious plans to enhance the game-night experience for fans, with a new big screen scoreboard among the first phase of improvements planned for the arena.
The club will also now finalise the appointment of a new head coach and head of hockey operations as preparations for the new season continue.
Mr O'Rourke said: “It’s with great pride that we take ownership of Glasgow Clan and become the new operators of Braehead Arena. The Clan can be extremely proud of the loyal and passionate fanbase it has. We’re committed to continually communicating our values, ambitions and plans to the Purple Army.
“In sport no one can guarantee success, but our first priority is to put the club in the best possible position to achieve it on and off the ice. The first step in that process is to finalise these two key appointments and provide them with all the resources available to push the team forward.
“Our second priority in the short term will be enhancing the fan experience for game nights at Braehead Arena with the installation of a new big screen and scoreboard. This will be the first phase of a programme to improve the arena facilities over the course of the year ahead.
“Our custodianship of the Clan shouldn’t be judged in the short term though and what we want to do is put in place foundations and structures to ensure that long term the clubs is a fixture in the community of the west of Scotland, offers an unrivalled game night experience for fans and a becomes daunting opponent for any team in the league.”
Founded in 2010, TDL Media is the investment vehicle of the family office of Mr O’Rourke. It invests predominately across the media, entertainment and tech industries either on a majority or minority basis. Its current portfolio of investments includes majority ownership of sports broadcasters Premier Sports Ireland, Premier Sports Asia and W Sport.
2023-05-26T14:05:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd