Legendary Liverpool striker Ian Rush is a key member of a consortium seeking to buy a majority stake in Irish League club Crusaders.
The proposed investment, which members of the Shore Road club were briefed about at an EGM on Thursday night, could reach £2.5m.
The move, if accepted, would see the Crues link up with 15 other Ian Rush Academies based in England and France.
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It is envisaged the investment could also help with stadium redevelopment and provide links with football agents in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Rush, who scored a club record 346 goals for Liverpool, is a significant shareholder in the IRAMA company which is reportedly interested in buying a 70% share in Crusaders.
Crusaders chairman Ronnie Millar said the proposal, which was positively received at the EGM, indicated the club’s desire to continue challenging at the top end of the Irish League.
The likes of Glentoran, backed by British-Iranian businessman Ali Pour, and Larne, supported by online mogul Kenny Bruce, have all benefited from significant investment in recent years.
Describing it as a “significant proposal”, Millar said Crusaders members had voted overwhelmingly to meet again and make a decision on the matter on March 24.
“Crusaders is owned and run by its season ticket owning members and the decision is theirs to make,” stressed Millar.
“That said, many members can see that new wealth in the League is forcing others to reflect.
“The one thing that is certain is that standing still is not an option.”
Crusaders treasurer Tommy Whiteside said the proposal would be a “balanced investment” and benefit several areas of the club.
As well as bolstering a full-time set-up for Stephen Baxter’s first team squad, it is envisaged the project will also provide an added emphasis on youth development and the formation of a player academy with a strong educational element.
Whiteside said: “The finance on offer will not be for first team development only. It will be a balanced investment in the senior teams, sports science, youth development and facilities.
“Our investors will contribute significantly to help us develop new facilities and new income streams – football and non-football related – which will grow the club in the medium to long term.
“We believe we have an investor who will be a partner for the long term, committed to traveling on a journey with us.
“Together, we can improve our business and commit to investing in the grassroots of the game.”
Crusaders vice chairman Mark Langhammer said: “Moving from ‘fan-owned’ to shareholder governance is a big change and there is no little emotion involved in the decision.
“However, I don’t believe it will change our mission. The educational provision within the football apprenticeship will be a platform for attracting local and international student players.
“Our model will stay local at its core, but look internationally too. The wide range of social programmes run through our “Crusaders in the Community” arm will also continue and grow.
“Our investors will not only help with income streams. They are committed and focussed on reinvesting in the grassroots of the game.”
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