I’ll make them ‘habitual winners’

Steve Pagliuca, Boston Celtics coowner, stated that he strengthened his “substantial and credible”Chelsea bids for Chelsea on Tuesday, promising substantial investment to make the club a success “habitual winners.”

Raine Group, a New York-based merchant bank, has set Thursday as the final deadline for bids. Pagliuca’s proposal is one of four that have reached this stage, along with another consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton, a British businessman, and a third involving Ricketts family investments, which also own the Chicago Cubs.

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Pagliuca was unexpectedly included on the shortlist, as his bid has been shrouded with secrecy. However, he released a statement outlining what he proposed. These include redeveloping Stamford Bridge as well as denouncing any resurrections of a European Super League.

“This process has been a disconcerting time for the football club and fans,”He said. “Throughout my career and life, my ethos was to operate quietly and with integrity and let my actions speak louder than my words.

“However it is imperative that we clarify and assure our supporters about our bid group, its commitments, and how seriously we take our responsibility to Chelsea.

“Later this week we will submit a substantial and credible bid proposal — one that we expect will meet the respective requirements and regulations of the Premier League, UK Government and UEFA — and we pledge to honour our commitment to credibility and good guardianship of Chelsea Football Club from day one.”

Pagliuca’s acknowledgement that UEFA is important as he and a group of investors bought a controlling stake at Atalanta for an estimated $450m in February. Pagliuca was made co-chairman of the deal. However, UEFA rules state that if two clubs owned by the same entity have ever drawn in competitions, they must agree to forfeit.

Atalanta and Chelsea both participated in the Champions League, with the Serie A side eliminated in the group stages.

Pagliuca’s commitment towards the bid has been reportedly underlined in recent times by Larry Tanenbaum (NBA chairman and serial sports investor), while Pagliuca was at St. Mary’s Stadium Saturday as Chelsea defeated Southampton 6-0.

After expressing his “hope to see a comeback for the ages against Real Madrid”Chelsea will be looking to overturn a 3-1 Carlo Ancelotti’s deficit in Tuesday’s Champions League round-16 second leg. Pagliuca then outlined three key areas his bid team had identified.

“Our first focus and goal is to make strategic investments to continue competing for championships and trophies,”He said.

“We will support our managers and players to ensure that Chelsea are title contenders and regular winners, whether in the Premier League or Champions League.” [the only Super League we intend competing in, for the record].

“We will also continue to invest into the youth academy to create the stars of tomorrow, and we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have an exciting vision for Chelsea.

“Our second goal will be to preserve and cherish the legacy and traditions of this club. We have never once considered changing the name, colours or logo of Boston Celtics in over 20 years of ownership. This is our guarantee to Chelsea supporters.

“We are committed to staying at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea. We are also inspired to renovate the stadium. Chelsea is a world class team in a great city with world-class supporters. It deserves a world class stadium.

“Our third focus will be to have a significant positive effect in the community. We strongly believe that clubs have a social obligation and will continue to support The Chelsea Foundation’s impressive work in education and health, as well as diversity and inclusion locally and globally.

“Chelsea should be the Pride of London for its on- and off-field accomplishments. It has fans all over the world and we will not tolerate bullying, anti-Semitism, racism, or any other form of hateful speech — and neither should our fans.”

Pagliuca has been criticised for not engaging with fan organizations during the bid process. However that last comment could also be interpreted as a dig at the Ricketts, who have come under fire for anti-Islamic comments made in the past by Joe the patriarch. This was after their interest became public.

The Ricketts family confirmed that Lord Karan Bilimoria, an Indian businessman who founded Cobra beer was to play a major role in their bid.

Bilimoria stated: “I founded Cobra Beer just down the road from Stamford Bridge and have been a season ticket holder for many years. So, when Tom Ricketts approached me to discuss a leading role in his bid group, there was no way I could refuse. Tom and the wider group have a proven track record of running successful sports teams and a strong vision for both the club and the local community.”