This club needs someone like Marwan — Corney

Date published: 19 June 2013


MARWAN Koukash has held talks over a possible purchase of Athletic.

The millionaire racehorse owner, who took over as Salford City Reds supremo earlier this year, has revealed that he wants to buy a mystery club in the North West within the next two months and “take it to the next level”.

The club in question is Athletic. But while a deal is thought to be a long way off, current owner Simon Corney said he would welcome someone of the go-getting nature of Dr Koukash (54) ultimately taking over the reins.

“I had a meeting with Marwan four or five weeks ago,” Corney told the Chronicle, speaking about the Palestine-born magnate who has been based on Merseyside for four decades.

“Nothing more came of it then, but I think Marwan is a fantastic guy and the sort of person a club like this needs.

“When it comes to his sport, he likes to makes things happen and gets things done.”

Koukash offered no comment on the Athletic link when contacted by the Chronicle.

But he had revealed to the BBC World Service the club he wanted to add to his sporting portfolio required “that little bit” of extra investment to lift it.

“There is a club I’m looking at which hopefully we will be able to secure within the next month or two,” Koukash said. “I’m not going to reveal which, but it will complement my interest in racing and rugby.

Earlier this month, controversial ex-Chester owner Stephen Vaughan came forward as being interested in buying Athletic, a development which worried many supporters.

The Koukash interest has been met with more warmth from fans.