The MLS could be welcoming one of the Prem’s least lovable owners
Thoroughly unpopular American businessman George Gillett already owns an Ice Hockey team, a NASCAR team and a Premier League side, and he could be about to start a new MLS franchise.
Montreal Impact currently play in the USL First Division (the North American equivalent of the Championship), but with a brand spanking new stadium and Gillett’s help, current owner Joey Saputo (who, rather selflessly, has named the team’s stadium ‘Stade Saputo’) will put together the $30m franchise fee. The new side could be ready for some slow-placed MLS action next season, but with new teams in Seattle, Philadelphia and St. Louis (not to mention David Beckham’s franchise) starting up, George may have to make do with his Merseyside team for now.
If they do make it into the big league, can I suggest a name change? The Montreal Impact? Do we just add arbitrary words to the end of team names now?
1 response so far
1 Bill Smith // Mar 28, 2008 at 2:34 am
You must know that George Gillet didn’t experience all the trouble he had with over zealous Liverpool fans.
His credibility is veru high in Montreal, he has been a very successful owner of the Montreal Canadiens franchise, the most prestigous ice hockey franchise in North America.
By the way, Joey Saputo is first of all a business man at the head of a food company named…Saputo.
Montreal Impact has been gained relative success over the last 10 years, winning two championships and maintaining a 11 thousand fans per game in a shaky league.