Freddy Gonzalez planning for Finn Harps’ new era after first takeover vote

Freddy Gonzalez admits he was nervous in the build-up to the vote on his proposed takeover of Finn Harps, but the overwhelming support from members has provided a significant boost as he steps up preparations for the club’s future.

On Monday night in Jackson’s Hotel, a Special General Meeting was held and a vote was taken by members on the proposed takeover by the Filipino businessman and former professional footballer, which passed by an overwhelming majority of 397 votes in favour out of 400, with a 75% majority needed for the vote to pass.

It isn’t a done deal yet, however, as another SGM will take place on Tuesday, November 3, with a 51% majority needed to pass.

Gonzalez has been working behind the scenes since arriving in Donegal in August, with plans already underway to strengthen the squad, improve the club’s organisational structure

and progress the redevelopment of Finn Park.

With the 2027 season in mind, Gonzalez says supporters can look forward to a strong team, as player assessments have been ongoing since Patrick McEleney came in as Interim manager in late July.

“We’ve been evaluating players since July. David McHugh, our Sporting Director, and Patrick McEleney have been working hard behind the scenes, looking at where the strength of the squad is and re-signing some players and keeping a certain level in the squad together.

“Then, with new players coming in, which will be announced when they’re ready to be announced, but I think the fans can look forward to seeing a really strong team in the new season.”

Alongside the footballing preparations, Gonzalez is keen to put the right structures in place across the club, with commercial operations, the academy and the first team all forming part of the wider plans.

And another huge part of that is the redevelopment of Finn Park, with work already underway on plans to transform the ground.

“The redevelopment of Finn Park, that’s something that we have already been working on, and that’s going to move forward until the beginning of the new season. We don’t know if it’ll be done in the next six months, but we’re really going to push it to be fully redeveloped by June.”

The strong vote in favour of the takeover has also reinforced his belief in the connection between Finn Harps and the local community. With the club already confirmed to have finished bottom of the First Division, an attendance of 948 was recorded for the final game of the season in a 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers last Friday night as a tough season ended on a huge positive.

“I’ve seen that throughout the season, even in May when the team weren’t getting results, the fans were still showing up, and that affinity is there; they really want to come out and support the club.

“The turnout shows that they really want the club to succeed, and it’s our responsibility to work with the community and the fans to make sure we get the club to where it should be.”