BOYZ ARE IN TOWN TO BOOST MAGPIES
CHORLEY reckon they have discovered a route to No.1 – with top boyband Boyzone.
The National League North Magpies have announced a collaboration with the Irish popstars which they hope will ultimately see them becoming the face of the club.
Band members Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy – along with Westlife’s Brian McFadden – celebrated the potential new partnership by making the trip to Victory Park for yesterday’s Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Solihull Moors.
“A club statement read: “This is a game-changer that has the potential to bring our town into the limelight like never before, generating a buzz and publicity that will shine a bright light on the local area.
“We are bursting with excitement and gratitude for this incredible opportunity. Boyzone’s presence at the game will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere, filled with music, joy and a shared love for football and a close-knit, family community.
Lead singer Ronan Keating, who couldn’t be there, said on his Magic Radio show: “It’s a match made in heaven.”
Chairman, and former Magpies boss Jamie Vermiglio hopes it can be the start of something special for the Step 2 outfit.
“It’s been trickling along for a couple of months,” he said. “Our new owners are well connected. One of those worlds is music.
“Shane, one of the members of Boyzone, has been to a couple of games. The owners had a little bit of conversation with him and I think he’s bought into it straight away. He’s enjoyed the visit that he’s had, felt a little of nostalgia that Chorley FC is capable of bringing, gone home and spoke to his mates and I think they’ve thought, ‘I’ll have a bit of that’.
“It’s only early days. There’s a lot of discussion to be had to find out what that will look like but, at the moment in time, the rumours are true – Boyzone are looking to come down and get involved at Chorley FC.
While the media and cameras descended on yesterday’s game, the club were forced, however, to issue a statement over a winding-up petition from HMRC that was filed just hours before Boyzone’s involvement became public.
The National League website also shows the Magpies are currently under a registration embargo – since February 5 – for “non-compliance of League financial regulations”.
The club have dismissed any fears, saying: “We wish to address recent speculation in the media regarding a HMRC winding up petition.
“We can confirm categorically that no petition has been served and the club remains financially stable. Any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and simply a result of oversight and clerical error.
“We appreciate the concern of our supporters and assure them that the club’s operations continue without disruption. Thank you for your continued support.”