Ross becomes Coleraine majority owner

Coleraine Football Club have confirmed that Henry Ross has become the club's new majority owner following a "significant investment".

The 24-year-old local property developer was announced as a minority shareholder in October when the club's list of financial backers were headed by Ranald McGregor-Smith and Patrick Mitchell.

But Ross has now made a "substantial additional commitment to the club", with the club saying McGregor-Smith and Randall are to remain as shareholders and directors.

"While staying true to our values, my ambition is to establish Coleraine FC as the leading club in the Irish League and a pioneer in both on-pitch performance and community engagement," said Ross.

"We want to inspire not only our loyal supporters but also the entire region by creating opportunities and setting standards that reflect the vibrancy and potential of the Causeway Coast and Glens. Together, we will achieve greatness that resonates far beyond the pitch."

Coleraine chief executive Simon Magee said Ross' additional investment means the club are "ready to embark on a transformative journey".

"While honouring its rich history, the club is determined to achieve unprecedented success both on and off the pitch, becoming a powerhouse in Northern Irish football and a symbol of excellence for the region," he added.

It is the latest development in a year of change for Coleraine with Bannsiders Holdings, led by London-based businessmen McGregor-Smith and Mitchell, having completed their takeover in February.

The club also adopted a full-time model from the start of this season while a restructuring of the coaching set-up led to Dean Shiels' appointment as head coach and long-serving manager Oran Kearney's switch to sporting director.

Coleraine, who last won the league title in 1974, are currently eighth in the Irish Premiership with 26 points from 20 games.

They were knocked out of the Bet McLean Cup by Crusaders last month and will host Armagh City in the Irish Cup fifth round.

Last month, it emerged the club were at risk of having their Showgrounds stadium closed by Causeway Coast and Glens Council after having failed to provide a structural integrity report since June 2022.