Mike Bateson
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Mike Bateson is an English businessman and former chairman of Torquay United Football Club.
Bateson was brought up in Blackpool and after a spell in the Scots Guards made his fortune selling double glazing in the South-West of England. In May 1990, after selling his windows compamy, he became chairman of Torquay United and saw the side promoted to Division Three at the end of the next season, Torquay beating Blackpool on penalties in the play-off final.
On October 12, 2006 Bateson sold his stake in the club to a consortium headed by Chris Roberts,[1] ending 16 years at the club which had seen two promotions, two relegations and numerous scrapes with relegation from the Football League to the Conference. With the deal to be completed over a four year period, Bateston retained his position as majority shareholder, though stepped away from the club.
However, Roberts resigned on February 21, 2007 amid growing criticism from all quarters. Local hotel owner Keith Richardson took over as chairman,[2] but on March 7, 2007 it was announced that Bateson had returned as chairman.[3] He immediately restored his wife Sue to a Director's post, promoted his daughter Debbie, wife of former Torquay player, groundsman and coach Richard Hancox, to managing director and reappointed three locally based directors who had resigned as a protest over Roberts' handling of the club.
In May 2007, after Torquay's relegation to the Conference National, Bateson stood down as chairman of Torquay United, with Mervyn Benney taking over. Later that month he agreed to sell his stake in the club to a consortium headed by Cris Boyce, son of former Torquay United chairman, Tony Boyce.[4]
[edit] References
| Preceded by Lew Pope |
Torquay United F.C. Chairman 1990-2006 |
Succeeded by Chris Roberts |
| Preceded by Keith Richardson |
Torquay United F.C. Chairman 2007 |
Succeeded by Mervyn Benney |
