Business world of experience

LATICS chairman Simon Corney hopes to make good use of new director Mike Newton’s acumen in the world of sharp suits.

But chairnthe Athletic chairman has made it clear that the football-mad financier has NOT invested personally in the club.

Corney, who wants to bring in further new expertise at board level, feels that New York-based Newton’s experience in the business world will pay dividends.

“We are a small board and Mike is a well-travelled guy with a lot of experience,” Corney said.

“He put his head above the parapet and wanted to help us — but it is not a financial thing.

“Mike will not be investing in the club. But we will hopefully get the benefit of his business knowledge.

“He has a great enthusiasm for football, too, and is in a position where he can get involved with a club in order to feed that passion.”

After leaving his previous role with Athletic at the end of the 2009-10 season, Newton’s subsequent well-publicised attempt to take over at Port Vale ran aground and hopes to become involved at troubled Stockport County dragged on too long for his comfort.

Now back at Boundary Park, Corney said that the clash of opinion which promoted Newton’s original departure is water under the bridge.

“You will not find a football club in the country where there are not disagreements,” he added. “It happens everywhere.

“We had a difference of opinion on certain things, but it didn’t end in blows or anything silly.

“There were one or two disagreements, but no malice or antagonism.

“It is no secret that Mike looked at other opportunities and found difficulties with other clubs.

“And there is no doubt we are one of the better-run clubs going. We are pleased to have him back.”

One of Newton’s roles will now be to bring together funding for the planned new Broadway Stand.

While still in its infancy, Corney said that, though progress may not be visible, hard work continues behind the scenes on the council-backed project.

“There is a lot of due diligence to get through,” he added. “We are starting to draw up plans with architects, but there are still a lot of environmental and planning issues.

“But we have kicked on. It hasn’t stopped, it is an ongoing process.”