Investment can help ambitious Bangor reach the big time, says Colin Nixon

Colin Nixon enjoying good times with Bangor against Crusaders in the County Antrim Shield in 2014

Colin Nixon with the Irish Cup in his final game with Glentoran

Irish League legend Colin Nixon says he believes fresh investment can help his old club Bangor make a big impact in the Premiership.

The Seasiders sit third in the Championship and have their sights on a return to the top tier.

Considerable progress has been made towards that ambitious goal but that momentum could be accelerated by significant financial backing.

Following constructive talks with Canadian and American investors, the Seasiders board are looking to establish a partnership that will make them a stronger force on the pitch while improving their facilities and strengthening links with the community.

The negotiations are expected to resume this month.

The Bangor board, who have transformed the club’s fortunes, insist a boom and bust scenario will not happen as they explore an investment option which Sunday Life Sport has estimated is close to £1m.

Bangor chairman Graham Bailie has admitted that full-time football should be a realistic ambition for the club if they can secure this lucrative new investment deal.

Coleraine and Carrick Rangers have accepted buy-ins from investors in recent months, following the approaches of Larne and Glentoran who have benefited from investment through Kenny Bruce and Ali Pour respectively.

The Veeck family, who have previously owned Major League Baseball sides St Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox, will join American businessman Scott Krase as minority owners at Larne.

Former Glentoran skipper Nixon joined Bangor at the age of 34 back in 2013.

He had been released by the Glens at the end of the season and in his final