Drogheda United look to Walsall on what future holds under new ownership

At so many football clubs, means and ambition are so starkly in contrast.

All have aspirations to compete at the highest level possible, to win trophies. For some, their wish is merely to survive. Sustainability in itself is the biggest victory of all.

That is certainly the case with Drogheda United, where for the last three seasons, first under Tim Clancy and now with Kevin Doherty at the helm, they have continually punched above their weight as a part time outfit in an increasingly professional league.

With one round of fixtures to play in the Premier Division, they are sure of finishing above both Sligo Rovers and Cork City, full time teams with budgets that far dwarf that at Drogheda's disposal.

2024 will mark the dawn of a new era for the club. They stand on the verge of a takeover. Trivela Group, the American/Canadian owners of Walsall FC will be in charge, pending a member vote in less than one weeks’ time.

The imminent acquisition of the club by the US-based sports investment firm comes after 12 months of discussions and due diligence undertaken on both sides, a process recently completed.

Other interested parties emerged from as diverse a geographical spread as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United Kingdom, China and here at home too.

As is the case at Walsall, Trivela Group Managing Director Benjamin Boycott will assume the role of co-chairperson at Drogheda United, sharing the job with Joanna Byrne. However, unlike at the English club, they are bringing in an Executive Director, Wesley Hill, to oversee day-to-day operations.

Exactly how hands on he will be is a point of particular interest. Hill has formerly worked at Nike and has extensive experience in the startup sector.

Matt Jordan, a 48-year-old former