Glazers unlikely to lose interest in Bucs

GM Bruce Allen says the takeover of a famed soccer club "won't change anything that we've been doing."

By RICK STROUD
Published May 13, 2005

TAMPA - Malcolm Glazer's plan to buy Manchester United doesn't include selling the Buccaneers.

Glazer's pockets are deep enough to continue ownership of the Bucs after his $1.47-billion takeover bid of the world's richest soccer team, according to general manager Bruce Allen.

Sons Bryan, Joel and Edward will continue to serve as executive vice presidents for the Bucs and remain involved in the daily operation of their NFL club.

"I don't think there's any doubt that the global reach of this type of transaction will benefit not only the Buccaneers, but our community," Allen said at a news conference Thursday. "And it's an exciting day.

"As far as what it means for the Buccaneers as a football team, it won't change anything that we've been doing."

Allen offered no details of how Glazer intends to finance the blockbuster deal for Manchester United, including whether the Bucs were used as collateral to obtain loans. "There's certain rules in the league, and the Bucs have always been in compliance," Allen said.

NFL owners may borrow up to $125-million for any purpose while using their team as collateral without violating league rules. But once Glazer's ownership of Manchester United reaches the 75 percent threshold to give him controlling interest, the league's finance committee would likely want to examine the purchase.

"Should the Glazer family become the controlling owner of the team, then it would be something the finance committee would be interested in taking a look at it to better understand it," said Greg Aiello, the NFL's vice president of public relations.

Allen said the Glazers' desire to own arguably the world's premier sports franchise has driven their takeover bid of Manchester United.

"Everywhere you look, it's the most recognized sports franchise in the world," Allen said. "If you look at our Tampa Bay region, two of the top 10 sports franchises in the world are owned by gentlemen living here, the Glazers and (New York Yankees owner) George Steinbrenner. I think that's exciting."

Although Allen said he was unaware of how the Glazers plan to operate Manchester United, speculation is that Joel, the family's most avid soccer fan, could be dispatched to run the English club.

"We've talked about it and he does, he loves the sport," Allen said of Joel. "He never wants to distract me from what I'm doing. But he does love it and so does Bryan, so does the whole family. They must be excited. It's another candle on a beautiful cake of what they've been able to accomplish as a family."

Though Glazer's bid has been met with protests in England, Allen said the purchase should be viewed as good news for the franchise.

"From our perspective, I think when the Glazers took over the Buccaneers, the steps they've (taken) have been fantastic," Allen said. "They've made it a successful franchise on and off the field. It was a laughingstock, as some of you veterans remember. ... Everything they do for the franchise is to support the operators of it, the employees. They made one of the boldest moves in all of sports when they traded for a coach and won the Super Bowl. I think that's the message that the Glazers sent."

Apparently, that commitment to the Bucs won't change with the addition of Manchester United to their sports empire.

"Their passion is for this (Bucs) team and to get it on a winning track and for us to win. ... They love this team," Allen said.

BUCS BITS: Allen said he is more optimistic about Tampa Bay's effort to land the Super Bowl in 2009 thanks to successful lobbying of other owners.

"We had some good things happen the last 96 hours and we'll just wait to see how it goes with the vote," Allen said. "But we've made some progress behind the scenes with some good conversations, and we'll see what happens."

Allen also said the team received two bids Thursday for construction of its new training facility across from Raymond James Stadium that is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2006 season.

[Last modified May 13, 2005, 00:57:16]