Castleford Tigers shareholder Martin Jepson has opened up about the investment he’s made into the club, since becoming an investor ahead of this season.
Jepson, founder of Ergo Real Estate, who are current sponsors of Castleford Tigers, is a boyhood fan of the club.
Late last year, he took ‘significant control’ of the club – although it’s now more than 50%.
Speaking on a prominent Castleford Tigers, he spoke about the money he put into the club.
“The money is in the bank account, it’s all paid in. The money was just shy of £1.2 million and it roughly matches the loans that are outstanding to the Fulton family. In terms of that, I effectively have 32.5 per cent and that is the same shareholding as Ian and Janet,” Jepson told The COYFCast podcast.
“That money went straight into the club. I paid separately for Janet and Ian’s shares, that was a separate transaction. The money went in as a loan which is the way people tend to do these things. It’s an interest-free loan and I can’t touch it again for five years.”
Martin Jepson investment ‘keeps Castleford Tigers going’
Jepson’s investment will help Casteford Tigers’ IMG score, which needs all the help it can get, currently.
Also supporting their score has been recent improvements to Wheldon Road, including new seating in the Princess Street stand.
👏 A huge Thank you to all the Cas fans from Martin Jepson! #COYF pic.twitter.com/4hbGWJDcT5
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) February 19, 2024
Jepson continued: “What does the money do? It keeps the club going, simply.
“It’s available to be drawn against if we want to do a project against it or bring another player in but it gives the club some breathing space.
“When I joined the club, it didn’t have any debts except the debt it owned to the Fultons and now the debt is owed to me. We own our ground and we don’t have any bank debt.
“But if we just stand still we will lose money potentially as most – if not all – Super League clubs do.”
Castleford’s stadium, in its current state, can’t really be used for anything except Castleford matches, but plans for redevelopment, which should be on the horizon, could change this looking forward.
