Hux To Provide Soler Power?

By: Stephen Bateman
Date: 23/06/2001

MAVERICK Norwegian business tycoon Erik Soler could be priming himself to invest in a new Bryan Huxford-led Grimsby Town revolution according to dramatic reports emerging from Scandinavia.

Statements made to the Norwegian press have fuelled speculation that the 40-year-old is the mysterious investor who was mentioned by the ousted Grimsby vice-chairman immediately prior to his forced resignation from the club's boardroom.

Soler (below), a former football star who is a household name in his native land has represented his country on 39 occasions, and has subsequently maintained his high profile via the Scandinavian media.

He recently explained his decision to sell all of his business interests by saying: "I'm more convinced than ever about buying a football club.

"...I find the idea of investing in a club which is not going straightforwardly much more interesting..."

"And the latest conversations I have had with business colleagues in Europe haven't decreased this desire - if anything, the opposite.

"I find the idea of investing in a club which is not going straightforwardly much more interesting."

It is expected that his first move will be to seize control of a successful Scandinavian side - possibly Norwegian giants Brann Bergen or Superliga outfit AGF Aarhus - before looking to link his interest with a Huxford-controlled Grimsby Town.

"...I'm pleased that I have raised some money...I have some fresh money now..."

The recent sale of 'Soler Search & Consulting' - a business which the former SV Hamburg star co-owned with ex-Liverpool director Peter Robinson - has released a fresh cash injection of an estimated £8 million.

"I'm pleased that I have raised some money with the sale," he remarked. "I have some fresh money now."

And that money could soon be heading to the south bank of The Humber if sources in the Norwegian media are to be believed.

The link-up would see Huxford capitalise on his impressive links with the Scandinavian business community, whilst also presenting the opportunity for the club to become involved in an exciting pan-European 'feeder system'.

Huxford, meanwhile, is maintaining a hush-hush stance on the issue, declining to comment on the latest bolt to hit the club after he earlier declared his dramatic intention to wrestle control of The Mariners from the current board of directors.

In light of the club's recent financial woes, such an alliance would allow The Mariners to develop the much-needed youth system which has been highlighted by manager Lennie Lawrence as a major concern in the club's desperate struggle to remain solvent.

With many other forward-thinking clubs - including Grimsby's revitalised neighbours Hull City - introducing such schemes, the initiative is being widely heralded as an important indication of the positive direction in which Lincolnshire's premier club could soon be headed

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