‘Taylor Swift, gies some dosh’: Motherwell Football Club appeals to Hollywood A-listers for money
A Scottish football team has appealed to Taylor Swift for money as the club aims to attract A-list investment.
Motherwell FC has launched a new campaign and is targeting Hollywood celebrities for funds.
The Scottish Premiership side has released a tongue-in-cheek video that plays on the ever-growing trend of celebrities owning or investing in British football teams – such as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s purchase of Wrexham and NFL legend Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham City.
Within the clip, a young supporter appeals directly to American singer-songwriter Swift, who is dating American football player Travis Kelce.
The boy pleads: “Taylor Swift, gies some dosh.”
Motherwell FC, based in North Lanarkshire, was first established in 1886.
In 2016 it became the first fan-owned club in the UK, with supporters paying into the Well Society.
The community club is not up for sale but is looking for fresh investment and more members to help continue its work both on and off the pitch.
Motherwell’s Fir Park Stadium
Players from both the men’s and women’s teams make an appearance in the video.
Right-back and Scotland star Stephen O’Donnell says: “Are you the next Hollywood celebrity looking to get involved in football? Well, we’ve got a club that offers real bang for your buck.”
The short film goes on to highlight the organisation’s community offerings, such as kids’ clubs, its walking and para-football programmes, and initiatives aimed at supporting men’s mental health.
Defender Dan Casey points out: “Okay, you might not see us beating Real Madrid nowadays, but you’ll see us beating unemployment, inequality and loneliness.”
There’s also a nod to Hollywood with investors promised a star on a Motherwell-themed walk of fame – with mock-ups currently featuring the names “Well B” (the Spice Girls’ Mel B), “Well.I.Am” (singer Will.i.am) and “Motherwell Ferrell” (actor Will Ferrell).
Although the video humorously targets A-list money, a playful disclaimer confirms the club will welcome cash from anyone.
It says: “Obviously a Hollywood A-lister with white teeth and big pockets would be great, but we welcome anyone who just wants to support, sponsor or invest in a proper football club that supports the local community.”
Read more from Sky News:
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney give North Wales ‘£1bn boost’
Hollywood stars celebrate Wrexham AFC’s promotion with bus parade
Jim McMahon, Well Society chairman, said: “We welcome anyone who wants to support a proper community club.
“Whether that be new additions to the Well Society or new sponsors. And if anyone from Hollywood wants to get involved then we’re all ears.”
Entertainment
Gregg Wallace: Over half of allegations against MasterChef presenter substantiated, including one of unwanted physical contact
An investigation into Gregg Wallace’s “inappropriate behaviour” on MasterChef has found that more than half of the allegations against him have been substantiated, including one of “unwanted physical contact”.
MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK shared a summary of its report into historical allegations of misconduct against the 60-year-old presenter, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin over seven months.
The report also said the number of sustained allegations made Wallace’s return to MasterChef “untenable”.
The investigation heard evidence from 78 witnesses, including 41 complainants.
There were 83 allegations against Wallace, and 45 of them were substantiated. All were related to MasterChef.
While the majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated.
One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated.
Nearly all the allegations against Wallace were related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018, with just one substantiated allegation taking place post-2018.
Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
Ahead of the publication of the summary, Wallace had said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Additionally, the report summary found that there were also 10 standalone allegations about other people between 2012 and 2018/2019, two of which were substantiated. Those people were not named in the summary.
The investigation found that complaints had previously been raised with the production company between 2005 and 2024.
Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
While the report flagged inadequate reporting procedures prior to 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine ahead of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine in 2020, it said there were significant improvements to HR processes and training after 2016.
While the investigation said some formal action was taken by the BBC in 2017, it also noted the corporation held no information regarding concerns raised over Wallace centrally, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Sky News has tried to contact Gregg Wallace for contact today.
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