Former Burnley Chairman Acquires Cheltenham Town

Former Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has successfully acquired a controlling interest in Cheltenham Town after entering a period of exclusivity with the League Two club in June. Garlick expressed his commitment to investing in the club's future and driving progress both on and off the pitch while maintaining strong ties to the local community and loyal fan base.

Having spent 17 years at Burnley, including eight as chairman, Garlick brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience to Cheltenham. He previously oversaw Burnley's promotion to the Premier League twice. Garlick, along with his wife Alison, will now join the Cheltenham board, while John Murphy has retired from the board to become the club's honorary president for a five-year term.

Cheltenham had been seeking substantial new investment, with three major shareholders willing to sell their stakes in the club. The ownership structure of Cheltenham involves a diverse group of shareholders, with the Robins Trust retaining its significant share as the second-largest shareholder. The club operates under a board of directors appointed by the shareholders rather than the owners.

Cheltenham's recent league performance saw them finish 15th in League Two in the 2024-25 season. Currently, the team is at the bottom of League Two without a point from their first four games, preparing to face Barnet on Saturday.