We caught up with our new Chairman, Jordan Gardner, following the recent announcement that an American consortium led by Jordan have purchased a majority stake in Kelty Hearts FC, here’s the full interview;
Jordan, you’ve been involved in football ventures before, what experiences from those roles do you feel will be most valuable at Kelty Hearts?
Definitely my experience at FC Helsingør will be most valuable. While we were a full time setup in Denmark, the overall size of the clubs are very similar. Helsingør is also a relatively new club (founded in the last 25 years), and my experience in building generational support and culture at younger football clubs will be invaluable.
As an American-led consortium, are there any ideas or approaches from the US sports market you feel could complement the culture already in place at Kelty?
I’m quite realistic that many aspects of the American sports business mentality do not resonate here in Europe. As an American, we need to be respectful of the culture of football in Scotland at all times. That being said, we will look to bring more sophistication from a data perspective on recruitment, we’ll look to improve the match day experience, improve the apparel offerings, among other areas.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at New Central Park so far, and what impressions have stood out to you?
I’ve been astounded by the positive reception from the community and supporters since I arrived in Scotland. Everyone around the club and in Kelty has been incredibly kind and welcoming to me. I absolutely loved my time in the hospitality lounge before the last match, you could see the passion that each and every supporter, sponsor and volunteer has for this club. There is something special about this club and community.
Looking ahead, what is your five-year vision for Kelty Hearts Football Club?
Our goal is to be the best part time club in the country and to compete regularly in the Scottish Championship. Arbroath F.C. have proven this season that it’s more than realistic for a part time club to compete with some of the biggest clubs in Scottish football.
On the pitch, what ambitions do you have for the first team and the football side of the club?
In the short term, the goal is to stay up this season. It’s obviously been difficult with all the injuries this season. We’ve made some good signings during the winter transfer window, and we feel confident this is a strong enough squad to stay in the division. Beyond that, our longer term goal is to get this club to the Scottish Championship and stay there.
Off the pitch, what areas are you most keen to develop?
We’re definitely looking at some improvements to the facilities in the short term. We have a new pitch and flood lights coming this summer thanks to the Fife Council and SFA which will really help improve the facilities. The club has done an excellent job in recent years on commercial and community engagement but we will be looking at a few areas to improve and get more supporters to the stadium and more sponsors on board going into next season.
Can you tell supporters a little more about the other members of the board and what skills or experience they bring to the club?
It was really important that George and Stuart (former Chair and Vice Chair) stayed on the board of directors with us, as their experience over the last several years will be invaluable. From the American side, I’m really excited about the group that has joined me for this journey. Several of the American board directors have operational and ownership experience in American sports including the NBA, minor league baseball and American soccer. They are all highly successful businessmen that will be an invaluable resource for the club.
How important is it to work alongside existing club figures and respect Kelty Hearts’ history as the club moves into this new chapter?
We’ll be working with George and Stuart closely at the board level. I’ve only been on the ground in Kelty for one week, but it’s apparent that the entire club staff and volunteers have been doing an outstanding job and I’m looking forward to working with them to grow the club.
Away from football, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time, and what keeps you grounded outside the game?
I enjoy boxing, hiking and spending time with my family. My wife Victoria has Scottish heritage going back four generations. I’m a huge dog lover, our big goldendoodle passed away last year but we have a new puppy coming later this Spring, so that and Kelty Hearts will keep me very busy!
Shaun Spedding
Photography: Kevin Marshal