Page 10 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.8 2020-21

Local business leaders have taken a ‘significant stake’ in Coventry United Ladies FC with the
aim of accelerating plans to turn the club full time.
The three owner-directors of Coventry based business Mirius, which owns the
cleaning brand Hycolin, have confirmed they are to take a 49% stake in the Club, with the aim
of accelerating CULFC’s ambition to turn professional.
Darren Langdon, Paul Marsh and Steve Quinlan, who own and run Mirius, a leading
global manufacturer of cleaning and hygiene products, initially chose to support the club via
a shirt sponsorship arrangement, but once involved in the Club took the decision to increase
their commitment by taking an ownership stake.
The new partnership will see existing CULFC Directors, Jason Timms and Marcus
Green, retain majority control but the Hycolin team will be closely involved and will utilise
their extensive business network and experience for the benefit of the Club.
The initial investment will be used to support the Club in the January transfer window
with the aim of making some marquee signings to help the team improve results in the second
half of the season and boost them up the table. The Club then have their sights firmly set on
turning professional in the short to medium term, with the new ownership agreeing that
turning full time is no longer an ambition but a distinct reality.
Explaining their involvement in more detail, Mirius Director Darren Langdon, said:
“From the moment we became involved with Coventry United Ladies, we could see there were
so many synergies between our two organisations. CULFC have consistently outperformed
against larger and better financed Clubs by thinking creatively and approaching challenges
differently, and the same can certainly be said of Mirius and our brand Hycolin.
“We also absolutely share a love and a passion for our community of Coventry. Mirius
is a business based in the city and we are really proud of our roots. CULFC certainly already
holds a special place within the local area, but we look forward to building on this in the
coming months and years.
“By working together we aim to create a real force to be reckoned with within the
women’s game, and will build a sustainable, successful model which the whole of Coventry
can celebrate and feel a part of. We really do have big ambitions and believe that by
combining our sporting and business knowledge, as well as our energy, drive and
determination we will be able to achieve huge things for this Club and this city.”
The initial ambition is to secure their position in the Championship and Jade Ogle,
Director of Women’s Football at the Club, is eyeing signings to strengthen the squad in the
upcoming transfer window to strengthen the squad. The hope is that the accelerated plans for
turning professional – alongside the partnerships they have with the local universities for
scholarships and dual career opportunities.
“A club like ours has big aspirations and there is no reason why we could not leapfrog
those teams with 'big-brother' men's teams. There is no reason why a brand like ours cannot
be competing in the top league, that's our aspiration. Now those aspirations will come sooner
than we thought."
Coventry United Ladies FC will become the first professional women’s football team
within the City and with a backing from local Coventry businessmen their plans to be full time
and play in the Women’s Super League can become a reality.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE INCLUDED?
IF SO, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk
Issue no. 8 - 14 January 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk