After what seems like months of talk and little action the Ledman Group, headed up by Chinese businessman Martin Lee have been confirmed as the new owners of the Newcastle Jets.
Chinese lighting magnate Lee headed up a consortium and has been in talks with Football Federation Australia reportedly since January, but a deal was finally announced to take over the Hunter club from FFA on Tuesday.
Lee and his company are involved in several football ventures, including ownership of a lower division Chinese club, sponsorship of China’s top two leagues and women’s league as well as the naming rights to Portugal’s second division.
FFA Chairman Steven Lowy was full of praise after the deal was made official this morning at an official press conference.
“The investment by Ledman shows those links have delivered a dynamic relationship built on trust and mutually beneficial activities. Ledman’s move is a signpost towards our future in the fastest growing football region in the world,” said Lowy.
“This demonstrates the strength and growing international status of the Hyundai A-League.”
Chairman of Ledman Group, Lee is excited about the future of the club and how the consortium’s ownership can help benefit the A-League.
“We see a bright future for football across Asia and the Hyundai A-League is at the forefront as one of the top professional leagues in the region,” said Lee.
“The investment aligns with Ledman’s activities in several sectors of the sports industry and I’m excited by the potential of the club.”
“Most of all, I understand that the Newcastle Jets are a very important part of the Newcastle community.”
“I want to work closely with everyone in Newcastle, the fans, members and the local football community, to make this club the best it can be.”
The Jets have suffered from years of ownership uncertainty following the ill-fated reign of former owner Nathan Tinkler and have still not reached the A-League finals since winning the league in 2008.
Elsewhere, the club has confirmed former Central Coast Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna will step in as the club’s new CEO after spending a period as Gosford mayor.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
