Tycoon plots reality TV deal for club

SCOTLAND’S FOOTBALL NO-HOPERS MAY FIELD AMERICAN PLAYERS AFTER AGREEING SHIRT SPONSORSHIP

By Ken Jones

Published:

A Highland football team, widely regarded as the worst side in Scottish senior football, could be in line for an American invasion and massive television following.

Fort William Football Club has attracted the interest of an American tycoon whose entertainment company has promised a shirt sponsorship deal and is negotiating a TV reality show centred on the Highland League outfit.

There is also the prospect of up to 10 semi-professional American college soccer players joining the beleaguered club next June.

Club chairman James Campbell is cautiously optimistic about the proposals, describing them as “revolutionary” for a team which ended last season with one solitary victory.

Behind the project is millionaire Paul MacDonald, whose forebears left the Lochaber area for the US in 1850, and who runs a TV show called Tonight Entertainment.

He said: “I have been a Scottish football fan for most of my adult life and as much as I enjoy a great Old Firm match, I love the energy and passions of the smaller teams as well.”

A deal has been agreed for the kit sponsorship which will see jerseys bearing the “AmericasTeamFC.com” logo. The deal is for a year with the possibility of an additional three-year option.

The US firm is also in the process of developing a membership-based website that will generate revenue to reinvest in the football club.

Tonight Entertainment has also confirmed that it is in negotiations for a potential reality-based television series based on the players.

American players could also complement the currently understaffed Scottish team. Among those being asked to join the scouting efforts is former Scottish international winger Charlie Cooke, who runs a successful football academy in the US.

Former Fort William star “Super” John McGinlay has also been contacted for a possible role.

Both men, along with the Tonight organisation, are based near Cincinnati.

Jennifer Wolfe, a spokes-woman for pmac Entertainment, said: “The website will follow the players and the club on their journey from worst to first.”

Claggan Park directors are said to be enthusiastic and behind the partnership and the potential for bringing in players to boost the club’s Highland League fortunes.

Mr Campbell said: “The strips should be with us in the next few weeks. We will be the best-dressed team in the Highland league.”