When Timothy Barton first came to Bari little did he (or the Baresi) know that he would become a household name in the capital of Puglia and well-known throughout the football-loving crowds of Italy.
Timothy Barton is the CEO of JMJ Holdings specialising in land development and luxury resorts. He first visited Bari in order to investigate a possible investment in renewable energy.
There he got to know, and fall in love, with the town, its people and the promising but struggling Bari football club.
"Last year I got the chance to follow some games - I was moved to see the club move to Serie A and to see how the city was excited by the event. Let us hope to do take the team as high as possible."
The current owner of Bari, Matarrese, was impressed by the seriousness and commitment with which Timothy Barton conducted negotiations, and the enthusiasm with which Mr. Barton embarks on this journey. He has said to be condident that the Bari football club has a safe future.
The purchase of Bari cost 25 million euros for 100% of the shares in the club. The club will remain under the guidance of Matarrese until December - while the management under Timothy Barton will begin between December and January.
