Stan Kroenke has found a new president for MLS side Colorado Rapids.
In an announcement, it was revealed that Padraig Smith has been promoted from within the club and has been appointed in the role by Kroenke's business empire, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment. The US-based Arsenal owner purchased the Rapids in 2004 and has now contracted Smith until 2026.
Smith had held the club's top executive position sicne 2018 having joined as sporting director first in 2015. He has previously spent time working for UEFA and also FAI. Since coming into his place at the club they have recorded two record sales to European leagues and overseen a club-record finish as 2021 western conference winners in 2021.
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Upon the announcement, Stan Kroenke's son, Josh, said: “Pádraig has led the club with great distinction over the past five years and has built a strong foundation on which we can continue to grow both on and off the field."
Josh Kroenke is also vice chair of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and has been handed a new role at Arsenal this season, too. In a reshuffle he was announced as co-chair alongside Stan in March. When further speaking about Smith, he said: “He brings a level of expertise and leadership to the organization that is grounded in his extensive experiences in Europe and the U.S.
"And we believe he is the ideal person to help us achieve our goals as an organization, and in particular, our goal of bringing another MLS Cup to Colorado.”
Smith himself added: “This club and the community it represents mean so much to me and I am deeply honored to continue to lead this organization and such a talented group of people.
“I want to sincerely thank Mr. Kroenke, Josh Kroenke and Matt Hutchings for this opportunity and for their continued support and belief in our vision. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the past five years and I couldn’t be more positive about the future as we embark on the most exciting period in the organization’s history.”
Smith has also been given the responsibility of 'leading the advancement of the Rapids’ relationship with sister club Arsenal' as the two look set for a closer partnership in the future. Given Arsenal's recent signing of USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner it could also mean another step into the MLS market and future transfers between the two sides.
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