Stott says the clubs will operate ‘entirely independently’

Stockport County owner Mark Stott(Image: )

Stockport County’s owner Mark Stott has reaffirmed his commitment to the Hatters after taking over a second club in Europe. Stott Capital, the Stockport businessman’s investment firm, have acquired a controlling stake in Debreceni VSC..

Local entrepreneur Stott, who is founder and chief executive of Cheshire-based property firm the Vita Group. took over County, then in the National League, in January 2020 after a decade of turmoil saw them tumble down the divisions.

Since then he has invested heavily in the club. He has since overseen two promotions in just four full seasons, with the club currently sitting 3rd in League One. Plans are also afoot to significantly expand the club’s Edgeley Park ground.

His portfolio of investments also include F2, one of the world’s leading football media platforms, and Pro Football Academy, the largest football coaching business in Europe.

Debreceni VSC in action against Liverpool in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League in 2015(Image: Trinity Mirror NWS)

He has now become majority shareholder at Debrenci, also known as DVSC. The Hungarian top division side, who hail from Hungary’s second largest city of Debrecen near the country’s eastern border, have been crowned as their country’s champions seven times and reached the group stages of the Champions League in 2009/.10.

Mr Stott has become chairman of the club following the investment. County’s non-executive director Jonathan Vaughan and CEO Simon Wilson have also joined the DVSC board.

Mr Stott has described the move as an ‘exciting opportunity’ but has reassured Hatters fans that the two clubs will operate ‘entirely independently’ and that he remains ‘firmly committed’ to County.

Mr Stott says he remains ‘firmly committed’ the Hatters(Image: https://www.stockportcounty.com/club-statement-2/)

In an open letter published on the County website he said: “It is an exciting opportunity, as Hungary has invested significantly in football infrastructure over the past decade, and DVSC is one of the country’s most established clubs, with a proud history, a strong talent pipeline, and experience in European competition.

“I wanted to reassure you that Stott Capital’s investment in DVSC does not change our plans for Stockport County. The two clubs will operate entirely independently, and I remain firmly committed to delivering on our ambitions.

“We are now six years into our seven-year plan to transform County, and I can confirm that the Board is now developing a new five-year plan to take us beyond January 2027, with continued investment in infrastructure, the academy, and the club’s long-term potential. We look forward to sharing more details on how this plan is shaping up by the summer.

“Thank you, as always, for your trust, passion, and incredible support. I’m excited about where we can take Stockport County in the years ahead.”