Famed football manager Ian Holloway and former Bath City FC star Jason Dodd will kick off the Big Bath City Bid’s community share offer tomorrow with a launch event at the Guildhall.
Holloway and Dodd will join VIPs from the world of business, sport, government, education, philanthropy and the arts, as the Big Bath City Bid team unveil its community share prospectus.
From 2nd June, supporters of community ownership will be able to buy community shares online, by cheque or by bank transfer.
The prospectus will set out the bid team’s business plan, final target and minimum investment of £250.
The Banqueting Room event will kick off an action-packed three-month fundraising campaign during which people from Bath and beyond will be able to buy community shares to support the bid’s aim of turning Bath City FC into a community-owned club.
The event will also feature the first screening of a new fundraising film about the bid directed by Ben O’Connor, a filmmaker who has worked with charities Crisis and Amnesty International, and produced by Ken Loach.
BBCB chair Jon Bickley said: “This is an historic opportunity to revitalise Bath City FC and create a community club that is truly at the heart of the city.
“With the best of Bath invested and involved, we can build the football club our city deserves: sustainable, forward-looking and brimming with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.”
The event will start at 6.30pm and is free and open to all.
The choice of the Guildhall as a venue reflects the Big Bath City Bid team’s belief that Bath City FC can play a central role in Bath’s social fabric.
Bristol-born Ian Holloway played three spells at hometown club Bristol Rovers, as well as Torquay United, Wimbledon, Brentford and QPR.
He has managed Bristol Rovers, QPR, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Millwall.
Bath-born Jason Dodd started his career with Bath City Youth before making 11 appearances for Bath City FC.
He was quickly snapped up by Southampton FC where he played from 1989 to 2005, making 398 appearances.
