Walsall co-chairman Ben Boycott has defended Trivela Group’s proposed takeover of Danish Superliga club Silkeborg IF, describing it as a sign of the group’s “growth” rather than a shift in focus away from their existing clubs,
Walsall and Drogheda United. The £13 million acquisition, which would give Trivela an 80% stake in Silkeborg, is subject to approval by a two-thirds majority at a general meeting scheduled for mid-December.
If approved, Silkeborg will become the fourth club under the Trivela umbrella, joining Walsall, Drogheda United, and grassroots outfit Trivela FC in Togo. Despite concerns from fans and stakeholders about the potential dilution of resources, Boycott has reassured supporters of all clubs involved that the expansion aligns with Trivela’s mission.
“We want a group of independent, important, well-run football clubs that matter in their local community and, in some ways, have collaborations and learnings with one another as we’ve seen with Walsall and Drogheda so far,” Boycott stated in an interview on Walsall’s official website. “”But we’re not kind of pre-scripting or pre-defining all of that. The bottom line is we want to invest in communities by investing in really well run football clubs and hopefully long-term can collaborate with one another and have some shared benefits”
Addressing concerns that Trivela’s resources might be stretched thin, Boycott emphasised a “growth mentality,” explaining that the group’s successes have allowed it to expand without detracting from its current projects. “It’s tempting to look at it and say, ok, Trivela have this finite set of resources, so there’s going to be less here and more there. But the bottom line is that we’re growing, and this is part of it,” he said.
No Immediate Plans for Further Expansion
When asked about future acquisitions, Boycott was clear that Trivela has no immediate plans to add more clubs to its portfolio. “If and when we grow further, it’ll be for the right reasons and in the right way,” he said.
For now, Trivela is focused on finalising the Silkeborg acquisition and ensuring a seamless integration into its growing network of clubs, with Boycott optimistic that the group can continue to build success across its projects without compromise.
Writer’s View
Trivela’s proposed acquisition of Silkeborg reflects the group’s ambitions to create a network of thriving football clubs, but concerns from fans are valid. Balancing growth while maintaining the unique identities of each club is no easy task. Boycott’s assurances of a collaborative approach and retention of Silkeborg’s existing leadership are positive signs. If executed effectively, this could enhance Trivela’s reputation as a model for sustainable multi-club ownership.
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