Investment welcome, but NIFL must make sure owners size up, says Gerard Lawlor

Gerard Lawlor said clubs needed to embrace the changing times

American Michael Smith has taken over at Carrick Rangers

Northern Ireland Football League chief executive Gerard Lawlor says Irish League clubs need to do their own due diligence regarding potential investors but he also accepts that his organisation has a role to play in ensuring sides avert a financial crisis.

Coleraine Football Club is set for a £2m investment over the next five years after the club’s current fans ownership group agreed to sell its controlling share to two businessmen.

The Friends of Coleraine FC group joined the club’s board in backing the proposal tabled by London-based Coleraine natives Randall McGregor Smith and Patrick Mitchell. The proposals involve the club moving to a full-time model in due course.

It’s the latest big money investment in an increasingly wealthy Irish League.

In 2017 Kenny Bruce became owner of his hometown team Larne while Ali Pour took over Glentoran in 2019 and last week the Belfast Telegraph broke the news that American businessman Michael Smith was acquiring a significant part of Carrick Rangers to become the majority shareholder.

American Michael Smith has taken over at Carrick Rangers

Former Cliftonville chairman Lawlor welcomes investment in Irish League football while admitting clubs should do their homework on benefactors.

“If we are bringing more business acumen to the League and better knowledge of generating new income, it’s all positive,” said Lawlor.

“We have to welcome investment when people are recognising the standard of the game and our clubs.

“People are willing to put their money where their mouths are which is a positive. The other element of it is clubs must do their own due diligence, they