The new owner of English fourth-tier side Swindon Town, Australian Clem Morfuni, seeks to implement a strong foundation between the fans, board, and players.
Nicknamed ‘The Robins’, Swindon were relegated last season from the third-tier, League One, resulting in significant financial uncertainty.
On July 21st, having already owned 15% of the club, Morfuni took full ownership in an ambitious takeover.
In a club statement, Morfuni expressed how he wanted the football club to represent the town.
“A football club should be the heartbeat of the town and the local community,” he said.
“If we all pull together and we can be united, we can turn this club around and take it back to where it belongs.”
Swindon Town fans on social media were delighted with the news, with many jubilant that their club will continue to operate.
Morfuni is the founder of the plumbing business Axis Services Group, specialising in mechanical plumbing and maintenance across Australia, New Zealand, England, Thailand and the United States.
Their projects include developing the Sydney Football Stadium, the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Crown Casino in Sydney and Sydney Metro.
Axis Services Group makes a yearly turnover of £200m (AUD 375m).
Swindon Town isn’t a foreign club for Australian football.
Former Aston Villa and Australia U20 international Jordan Lyden is a current player.
Socceroo Massimo Luongo previously spent two years at The County Ground earlier in his career.
Morfuni’s ambitions are not only to be successful on the pitch but off it as well.
“I want to advise the fans what’s going on at the club, show them transparency, show them what our plans are,” Morfuni said on Swindon Town FC Supporters Club’s Youtube channel.
“I want to make sure we have pure fan engagement.
“I’ve fallen in love with the club, and I’ve seen the potential, and with hard work, I’m sure we can move forward.”
Morfuni aims to significantly improve The County Ground stadium, develop the training ground, and have the best academy outside the Premier League.
“I know it’s going to take a great deal of work, resources, vision, and effort, but if we stick together, we can, and we will do it.”
Swindon’s first league match of the season is on August 8th, away to Scunthorpe.
Sooo