‘A childhood dream’ - American businessman reveals excitement at Shrewsbury Town investment

American entrepreneur Bryan Finnerty has described a prospective investment in Shrewsbury Town as a “childhood dream”.

Finnerty, owner of Atlantic Sport Ventures, is set to join Salop’s new ownership group, subject to passing the necessary owners’ and directors’ tests.

The California-based businessman is a former professional footballer, having spent 11 seasons as a goalkeeper with the Detroit Rockers and Buffalo Blizzard, making 449 appearances.

He has since built a portfolio of businesses, including golf clothing brand Galway Bay Apparel. He also hosts the ‘What’s Next!’ podcast and is a majority shareholder in V1 Sports, which provides golf swing video analysis technology for professionals.

Town’s takeover by a consortium led by Miami businessman Scott Davidson was confirmed on Monday, with Finnerty among those set to invest in the club.

In a social media post, Finnerty said: “As a kid, I dreamed of playing professional football in England.

“My professional playing career took me elsewhere, but the dream stayed with me.

“Today, I’m proud to be part of the ownership group of Shrewsbury Town through Atlantic Football Ventures.

“Even better, I get to share it with close friends and business partners Joe Grossman and Eric Sullivan, Jason Clement and Mark Grossman. Building with people you love and love working with has always mattered to me. This is a pretty special example.

“A club with so much history. An opportunity to contribute my experience in football and business. And a childhood dream taking a form I never could have pictured.

“Thank you, Scott Davidson and the ownership team. Excited for what’s ahead. Up the Shrews.”

According to reports in the United States, Finnerty was named Buffalo Blizzard’s Most Valuable Player for the 2000/01 season, helping the side to 22 wins.

A graduate of San Diego State University, he founded The Sports Facilities Advisory in 2003 and has since led several ventures, including ProtectCELL, V1 Sports and Opportunity Seed.

He also founded High Velocity Sports Center, a large sports campus in Canton, Michigan, which opened in 2001. The facility features indoor football, flag football, basketball, volleyball, baseball and lacrosse facilities.