Friends of Steelers Offered Controversial Ice Hockey Stake
After review and negotiation, the preferred applicant for the Superleague Franchise area of South Yorkshire has been changed to that of a new company owned by Chesterfield Holdings Ltd, but with a minority stake to be offered to the Friends of Sheffield Steelers Ltd (FOSSL) in the near future.
In the meantime, FOSSL is being offered a seat on the Sheffield Board.
It is understood that the new application will begin negotiations with the Sheffield Arena for the appropriate lease immediately.
Both the ISL Board of Directors and Norton Lea, the Chairman of Chesterfield Holdings, are working to ensure that top class ice hockey remains in the Sheffield area - an area renowned throughout UK sport for the huge and totally committed support of its ice hockey fans.
Speaking on behalf of Superleague, Martin Weddell, the Vice Chairman of ISL, said. 'Adding Mr Lea to the ISL Board brings many benefits to it.
'Norton has a track record as a successful sports team owner. When he owned Chesterfield Football Club it was reported by Chartered Accountants, Deloitte and Touche, as being a highly successful organisation. The Superleague Board also know that they are dealing with a man who has an impressive reputation for his straight thinking and total integrity. We are confident that Norton Lea will bring a
great deal of experience and trust, not only to the League, but just as importantly to the fans. I'm thrilled he is joining us.'
For further information contact the Sekonda Superleague Media Office on 01530 838899, e-mail islmedia@iceweb.co.uk, or visit our website at www.ICEweb.co.uk.
In the meantime, FOSSL is being offered a seat on the Sheffield Board.
It is understood that the new application will begin negotiations with the Sheffield Arena for the appropriate lease immediately.
Both the ISL Board of Directors and Norton Lea, the Chairman of Chesterfield Holdings, are working to ensure that top class ice hockey remains in the Sheffield area - an area renowned throughout UK sport for the huge and totally committed support of its ice hockey fans.
Speaking on behalf of Superleague, Martin Weddell, the Vice Chairman of ISL, said. 'Adding Mr Lea to the ISL Board brings many benefits to it.
'Norton has a track record as a successful sports team owner. When he owned Chesterfield Football Club it was reported by Chartered Accountants, Deloitte and Touche, as being a highly successful organisation. The Superleague Board also know that they are dealing with a man who has an impressive reputation for his straight thinking and total integrity. We are confident that Norton Lea will bring a
great deal of experience and trust, not only to the League, but just as importantly to the fans. I'm thrilled he is joining us.'
For further information contact the Sekonda Superleague Media Office on 01530 838899, e-mail islmedia@iceweb.co.uk, or visit our website at www.ICEweb.co.uk.