Bradford City unveil new commercial manager (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City unveil new commercial manager

8:57am Wednesday 15th July 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(8)

Former Morrisons supermarkets property chief Roger Owen has become Bradford City’s latest signing.

He has been unveiled as the club’s new commercial director and will use his extensive business experience to help generate extra income.

Mr Owen, of Bingley, retired as group property director of Morrisons in February after 34 years with the company, which he joined when it had just 12 stores.

After a career helping to oversee Morrisons’ expansion to become the UK’s fourth largest food retailer with more than 380 stores, Mr Owen will turn his attention to helping the football club he has supported for 55 years.

He and his wife Lena have both been ticket holders at Valley Parade for 25 years.

Mr Owen required the agreement of his former employer to take up the non-executive Bradford City post and has been given the go-ahead by Morrisons’ chairman Sir Ian Gibson.

Mr Owen, whose first day in the office will be tomorrow, said: “I am very happy to be joining the team at Valley Parade and intend it to be a ‘jackets off’ role to help the club’s business side.

“Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn (joint chairmen) deserve great credit for keeping Bradford City going through difficult times.

“Everyone knows that budgets are tight and I will be working hard to help the club strengthen its finances and generate extra income.

“ I have supported Bradford City since the age of five. My wife is also a season ticket holder and my sons were supporters too. Now that I am in a position to do so I am looking forward to playing my part in the club.

“It’s important for the team on the field to know that the business side of things is under control. If I can support the club’s commercial team and directors to put Bradford City on a surer footing than I will be happy.”

David Baldwin, Bradford City’s chief operating officer, said signing up Mr Owen was seen as a coup for the club.

He said: “We are over the moon to have signed up Roger, who is a vastly-experienced and respected figure and also a lifelong fan of the club.

“He has played a key part in Morrisons’ growth and success and it’s great to have him on Bradford City’s commercial team sheet.”

One of the first issues facing Roger Owen will be helping the club to develop around 8,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space in the area once occupied by the old club shop.