Watford football coach 'delighted' after buying Kettering Town FC

A Watford football coach has bought a club with a 150-year history.

Outgoing Kettering Town FC owner Ritchie Jeune announced today (May 3) that an agreement on the sale of the club, for 100 per cent of his shareholding, has been agreed.

Community football coach Nadim ‘George’ Akhtar, from North Watford, is now the new owner.

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Mr Akhtar, known in Watford for starting and running Xtra Time to help the town’s young people get involved in football, is set to meet with supporters for a fans’ forum “in due course”.

In a statement this morning, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to have completed the takeover of Kettering Town FC.

“A club with such great footballing traditions and history. As soon as I was made aware of the possible sale of the club, I was determined to be the next owner.

“The passion of the fans during my visits to games while in negotiations with Ritchie just spurred me on. I believe I am as passionate about bringing more success to the club as you, the fans are.

“I am fully aware of the many challenges that we face, I have been involved in football from as far as I can remember and have seen first-hand what it takes to be successful.

"I am looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and, with your support, moving the club forward seeing you all soon.”

The Poppies are currently competing in the Southern League Premier Central, following relegation from the National League North in the 2022-23 season.

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“There were a number of parties interested and I met with each one personally," Mr Jeune said.

"Finding an owner whom will have the long term good of the club at heart was a key driver for me, after all handing the baton over to a new custodian is the last part of any owner's legacy.

"The new owners I am sure will bring new passion and ideas to the club, they have a drive and desire to achieve but also respect the long proud history of the club.

“I hope like I will, that fans will get behind and support them as they start the next chapter in the club’s existence.”