Scottish businessman John Clarkson has grabbed the attention of much of the worlds sporting media following an unorthodox football wager.
The 60-year old, who’s made the majority of his fortune from owning a care home company in East Anglia, has offered up £150,000 of his own money in return for the chance to coach Spanish Third Tier side Deportivo Tudelano. If he manages to get the club promoted, only then will he have the vast sum be returned to him.
Whilst Clarkson certainly isn’t an established name around native footballing circles, he has, in the eyes of those involved around the lower echelons of the game in Spain, an impressive cv having previously taken positions on the board of Ontinyent, Crevillente, Benissa, Catarroja and Real Aviles in the past.
Speaking on the appointment, Tudelano president Jesus Miranda said: “The best way to describe his offer is that it is an economic sports bet.
“The Scottish businessman has big plans for this club. His goal is to get to the second league within two years.
“He is paying money to do a sports project – he is not taking over the club.
“He came in and told us that he would get us sponsorship and sort out the club’s debts. And in return, he coaches the team for free.
“He will invest £50,000 for the first season and £100,000 for the second season. He’s told us that if he wins us promotion within that time, he will be refunded his money.
“If he does not, we keep it.
“It’s a very unusual and exciting proposal.”
We’ll say.
As bonkers as it all sounds, We wish all parties the best of luck.
(Via the Scottish Sun)