SHEFFIELD, U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers put months of rumours, speculation and financial uncertainty behind them yesterday, as Paul Ragan acquired the rights to the Sheffield Steelers from the Phillips family.
Ragan who is also currently the Cardiff Devils Chief Executive Officer has been in Sheffield for the last few days in lengthy meetings negotiating the sale of the club.
Future is now certain for the Steelers.
Ragan has already set several targets for the rest of the season, with the number one priority being that of securing the services of Sheffield’s Player/Coach Ben Simon for next season.
“Ben has done a fantastic job of providing entertaining hockey for the fans. The team has performed exceptionally well on the ice in a challenging season and it is my strongest desire to secure his services for next season, and work with him to build the roster for next year, starting with key players he identifies from this season,” Ragan said.
Other areas that Ragan is keen to address include the Steelers’ match night presentation, ticketing and merchandise, which are all areas that Sheffield’s fan based have been discussing on their forum as a potential cause for concern.
Ragan became known nationally after featuring twice on the Channel 4 programme “The Secret Millionaire”, when he went undercover to help and support worthy families in Derby.
The takeover seems to have gone down well with the Sheffield fans, with only a small minority having reservations, and holding judgement.
Sheffield Steelers new owner Paul Ragan (Photo courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Departing Sheffield Steelers General Manager Maraini Phillips paid tribute as she was leaving the club, “There has been an enormous amount of hard work put in by the team here, particularly for the upcoming Boxing Day game. Ticket sales are already in excess of 4,500 and for the club to have a fresh start this is the best possible time to do the hand over.”
“I would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters and players who have given me and the team their full support as we worked to make the business a success,” she continued. “And I would particularly like to thank Head Coach Ben Simon for his hard work, dedication and support.”
Ragan first made his millions in insurance, as he set up his own brokerage firm at the tender age of 23, and now has several other interests in his portfolio including property, logistics, technology, and other sporting ventures.
Ragan spoke about his latest acquisition, Sheffield Steelers, “Much like the Devils have enjoyed mammoth success in the British game and my intention is to provide this great club with the organisation and commercial processes it needs to return to the glory days.”
“I am an entrepreneur at heart and my speciality is acquisition, fast growth and returning companies to profit,” said Ragan. “My focus at Cardiff has been to stabilise, structure and develop the commercial side of the business whilst giving our Head Coach the best possible chance to bring on-ice success to the club.”
Sheffield have tough back-to-back games against arch rivals the Nottingham panthers (26th and 27th of December) and the Coventry Blaze, in games which could see them close the gap on league leaders the Belfast Giants who have three games in hand over the South Yorkshire side.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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