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Kuwaiti businessman announces plan to lead 7th tier club into the EFL

Kuwaiti businessman Muizz Mirza announces an ambitious plan to lead 7th tier club Plymouth Parkway into the EFL.

Talking to BBC Radio Devon, he spoke of his dream of getting the club to the Football League within the next 10 years, and with the help of upcoming partnerships, will see Parkway be a full time club in the next 12-18 months, with everything to “fall into place” from then on.

Also included in his plans improvements to infrastructure, the academy and the stadium.

Plymouth Parkway’s co-chairman Mark Russell feels there is a good opportunity for Plymouth to have a good second club, with a fanbase in the south west who would support that.

They currently sit 2nd in the Southern League Premier South with 16 points from 7 games played, and have a game in hand over the leaders, Uxbridge.

 

A club statement read: “Plymouth Parkway can confirm that Heads of Terms have been signed with MEC Study Group, beginning the process towards a new structure for the football club.

“The agreement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Parkway, with work now underway to establish the foundations for the club’s future.

“The proposed new structure will bring together the existing foundations of Plymouth Parkway with the experience, international reach and opportunities of MEC Study Group.

“Founded in 2017 by Muizz Ahmed Mirza, MEC Study Group is an international education organisation headquartered in Kuwait, with a growing presence across the Middle East and South Asia.

“British-educated and a graduate of the University of Westminster, Muizz founded MEC after experiencing the international student journey himself. The organisation has since supported more than 3,000 students internationally and developed a network of more than 600 university partners worldwide.

“Muizz’s involvement with Parkway brings together two areas built around creating opportunities for young people, education and football, while opening the door to new commercial and international opportunities for the club.

“His attraction to Plymouth Parkway has been driven by the club’s identity, its people and the community surrounding it, with a clear intention to build upon what has already been established.”

Plymouth Parkway Chairman Mark Russell and Vice-Chairman Gez Baggott said: “This represents an important next step for Plymouth Parkway and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the football club.

“We are united in the view that the priority is to build on the foundations already in place, strengthen the club for the long term and create new opportunities across all areas of the football club.

“The opportunity to work with MEC Study Group also gives Parkway the ability to introduce the club to new audiences internationally, while remaining firmly rooted in Plymouth and protecting the identity that has been built here.

“There is a great deal of work still to be done, but signing the Heads of Terms allows that process to begin. The future is exciting, and there will be more to share as the next chapter develops.”

Muizz Ahmed Mirza said: “Plymouth Parkway already has something money cannot create: history, identity, passionate people and a community that cares about its football club.

“My responsibility is not to replace that, but to protect it, build on it and give those people even more reasons to be proud of Parkway.”

The club continued: “At the heart of the proposed new structure is a commitment to keeping Plymouth Parkway rooted in the city. The club’s history, identity, supporters and community remain central to the future being developed.

“The signing of Heads of Terms is the first step in the process. Further work will now take place, with the proposed new structure subject to due diligence, final agreements and the relevant football and governing-body approvals.

“Further information will be shared as the process progresses.”

Click HERE to listen to an interview or HERE to read more of his comments.

Here’s how fans reacted after the Kuwaiti businessman announces a plan to lead the 7th tier club into the EFL…

@Jam_morg: Eamon Mcgurk, @ColinTaylor1973, @GCAFCofficial. You should be embarrassed by this and hopefully a wake up call. Smell the coffee and listen to the community. We cannot go backwards anymore, either look for investment like this, sell club or be transparent. Take Action.

@abaconbuttee: But certain people at @GCAFCofficial will tell you I made it up 👀

@daveglos25: Absolutely shocking from the club

@Deano230: About time the club were transparent on this.

@TomKear767031: Typical mate. They love making others look like the liars 🤐

@TheVOTTE: MEC goes to Parkway. This is an absolute car crash interview. Regardless of what anyone assumes of MEC, this is a total PR disaster. The perception is we’re a club that is resistant, frankly hostile, to external investment. Lack of any comment to the BBC from the club not a surprise. Begs belief. Could be a sliding doors moment this…

@shauntippins: Strange interview this! Either he was promised meeting director(s) and they didn’t show up – so flew over for them. OR his emails were ignored? So he turned up to try and force a meeting? Either way, he didnt come across that well. Id be worried if I was a Plymouth Parkway fan!

@DavidJe37738052: Very sceptical . Quick search on the Internet shows he has already been interested in Gloucester City but it didn’t come off . Sounds like he’s after any club to me . Could be wrong of course 🤷‍♂️. Hope board know what they’re doing .

@mattborman: Even Parkway getting foreign investors before Argyle… #pafc

@DarranPearce: Gloucester wasn’t the only club he’s tried either

@WreccleshamBag1: He’s been enquiring at loads of clubs

@WreccleshamBag1: Good luck with that 😂😂😂

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