Gareth Bale Explores Football Management
Gareth Bale, the former Wales international and Real Madrid winger, is exploring a partnership with a private equity firm in the U.S. that is considering acquiring Plymouth Argyle, according to sources from ESPN. This venture suggests Bale is stepping into the world of football management, reflecting a growing trend where ex-professional players invest in clubs situated in England’s lower divisions.
Current Situation at Plymouth Argyle
While details about Bale’s potential involvement remain uncertain, the current Argyle chairman, Simon Hallett, is actively seeking new investors after a previous attempt to sell the club fell through last month. This comes on the heels of a challenging season for Argyle, who were relegated from the Championship after a disappointing finish, registering just four wins from 23 games under former head coach Wayne Rooney, who was dismissed in December.
Since Rooney’s departure, Miron Mislic also left his position to join Schalke in the Bundesliga, leading to former Manchester United player Tom Cleverley taking on the coaching role.
Growing Trend in Football Ownership
If Bale’s acquisition moves ahead, he would join a notable list of former athletes involved in football ownership. Notably, Luka Modric is part of a consortium that recently took over Swansea City, while NFL superstar Tom Brady holds a stake in Birmingham City. Additionally, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have successfully revitalized Wrexham, positioning them to compete in the Championship next season. This further illustrates the increasing crossover between entertainment icons and football ownership.
