Just as John Texter sees himself as a disruptive force in football, one could extend that to his influence in the Crystal Palace boardroom.
In an interesting interview with Alex Howell on Thursday, Texter spoke freely about several topics, many of which were related to his club in south London.
This isn’t the first time Eagles fans have heard from owners and investors. After all, Simon Jordan and Steve Parish have been club presidents for the past 20 years, but neither has escaped the media.
However, it could also be argued that Parrish’s appearances have become more selective or selective in recent seasons. Texter, on the other hand, seems open to voicing his opinions, which could put him at odds with the other owners.
On the surface, the theoretical cracks in the boardroom have been filled, particularly after the appointment of Oliver Glasner as Texter-approved manager and several expiring transfer deals.
Texter is often affable, enthusiastic about the club’s direction, and appears likely to have good intentions. It is also refreshing for stakeholders of his club in the Premier League to ask questions and discuss points such as the Financial Fair his play and the rules of profitability and sustainability in the Premier League.
But his and Eagle Football Holdings’ vision for football comes with challenges. Whether it will be dressed up as a multi-club model is largely a matter of semantics, but it is unlikely that Palace’s fan base will fully welcome being part of a larger network of clubs.
That sentiment may be driven by romantic notions of soccer, but the sport is increasingly capitalistic and filled with billionaire frenzy. Each club in the Textors group is built on a long history and no one wants to be relegated to becoming part of the machine, especially if it means losing their identity.
Selhurst Park’s Holmesdale Fanatics are the most outspoken group of fans, and although they do not have unanimous support, they highlight legitimate concerns.
They are also a group that the club has actively used as part of its image and marketing, making it difficult to dismiss them immediately.
No matter what we learn from this interview in particular, more open discussion and dialogue between the club hierarchy and the fanbase wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Alex Pewter can be found at: FYP Podcast